1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

New International Version (NIV)

Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

For Meditation

Trusting God in our pain is a profound struggle. It’s a path filled with questions about His fairness and justice, where tears offer a brief respite, and prayers seem to echo in a deep valley, followed by a deafening silence. The eternal question lingers: “Where is God if He cares?” Yet, amid this struggle, many have found solace in God’s providential hand and praised Him through their pain. 

Take David’s faith, for instance, after the son born of his adulterous relationship with Bathsheba died (2 Sam. 12:15-23). He had fasted for seven days, pleading for God’s mercy and grace with intense praying, but God took the boy away. Though he wouldn’t eat despite the pleas of his attendants, his attitude changed drastically after the boy’s death (20-21).

How could his demeanor change so quickly? How could he switch from a subdued, desperate, and pleading disposition to a well-groomed and worshiping father after the death of the boy (16-23)? His servants could not make sense of it. Their expectation was of a wailing, groaning, and furious David against God for not hearing his petition to heal his son. Yet, David put his trust in God for life after death and worshipped Him (2 Sam. 12:20). Can you worship the Lord in your crucible now?

Our emotional responses, such as mourning and lamenting, are natural expressions of grief when touched by debilitating illnesses, the death of a darling child, or the break of a loving marriage. It is when we forget God’s sovereignty and His rule over the affairs of the world that we lose ourselves in suffering. But if you know your God, you can smile in the face of death.

The posture of the faithful in suffering is this: “Because my Lord is God and rules over all, I will continue under His reign, no matter my circumstance. Since He is unchanging, I can trust Him in everything. So, I thank and praise God for His nature and faultless deeds; that somehow, His peace may break upon me.” Isn’t that wonderful?

There is a profound power in praise, worship, and thanksgiving, especially when the faithful rejoice in Christ in their darkest hour (2 Chron. 20:21-24; Acts 16:26). David’s psalms are a testament to this power. This power is within your reach, even in your deepest valley.

This truth is the bedrock of Paul’s encouragement to the Thessalonian saints to give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for them in Christ Jesus (1 Thess. 5:18). The apostle knew their distress, pain, and discomfort, and he knows yours in similar circumstances.

However, Jesus is your best empathizer in suffering, and He is the source of grace that will uphold you through your deepest valley (Heb. 4:15),

Shalom

Pray with Me

Father, even though it hurts beyond words, I will praise you according to your will for me. You are the source of my strength and life, and I will trust you through my pain. May your grace suffice for me in my deepest hour, that I may glorify you with my resilience in Christ Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen!

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