April 19. 1 Thessalonians 5. Brian Hodges

Encourage One Another and Pray Continually

I jumped at the opportunity to write about this chapter. It contains one of my favorite Bible verses – one I quote regularly and remember often, because I need it. However, as I re-read the entire chapter, it is also very appropriate for us today.

Paul writes to believers by contrasting those in the light versus those who live in darkness, “You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness” (1 Thes. 5:5). He also praises them for encouraging and building up one another in challenging times (v. 11). But he also provides broad-reaching advice, “warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone” (v.14). Patience with everyone…words I need to hear, but I’d guess we all need to hear. But what can also be heard is exactly how Jesus treated people – our Savior and our prefect example in word and deed.

However, the verse I need every day is, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (v. 16-18). I think if it merely said, “Rejoice, pray and be thankful, for that’s God’s will for you,” it would suffice. However, there are three absolutes, that frankly make it seem impossible; yet, “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength (Phil 4:13). Rejoice (some translations say, “be joyful”) ALWAYS! Pray CONTINUALLY! And be thankful in ALL circumstances!

Be honest, do you give thanks for everything, even challenges? Are you always joyful? We should be, since Jesus was the atoning sacrifice for all our sins. However, the middle verse is the one I need the most, “pray continually.” In all honesty, I don’t, but it’s worse. As a retired fighter pilot, you can imagine, I struggle with egotism, or call it pride. But the idea of praying continually makes me think of the one thing we all do continually – that is breathe. So, let us consider prayer like breathing. Do it every minute of every day. And if you ever find yourself holding your breath (e.g., underwater), recognize and appreciate the big gulp of air that you take when you have your head above water once again. Pray like it is the oxygen that provides us life.

I’ll finish with some of Paul’s final words to the Thessalonians, “hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil” (1 Thes. 5:21). - AMEN