We learn from toddlerhood that life deals us many disappointments. None of us will get our way one hundred percent of the time. Not one of us gets everything we want. When discouragements arise, we learn that we are most certainly not in control. We can either choose to be angry about our disappointments, or we can look for ways to find joy in Christ in the middle of our discouragement.
In the middle of imprisonment, Paul did not give in to discouragement. He looked beyond his circumstances and recognized how the name of Christ was being spread more boldly and confidently by other believers because of his imprisonment (Philippians 1:14). He then continued to explain that it did not matter to him the motives of those who were spreading the name of Christ (verses 15-18). He experienced great joy when he thought about how more and more people were hearing the name of Christ. As a result, he wrote, “I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice” (verse 18). Even in the middle of prison, Paul found a reason to have joy despite his imprisonment because his joy was not based on His circumstances.
Paul knew that finding joy in all circumstances, even prison, was possible. As a result, he instructed believers in 1 Thessalonians 5, “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (verses 17-18). This verse does not tell us to be joyful sometimes. It calls to be joyful "always." Regardless of our circumstances, we are called to have joy. The joy we have extends far beyond our circumstances. Our joy is rooted in God, who is far greater than anything in this world.
Even in the middle of our discouragement, we can find joy. We can find joy in the Lord and all He has done and is doing in this world. There is always something to be joyful about, and when we find joy in the midst of our disappointments, we are setting our eyes on what matters most: Christ and His kingdom.
Be on the lookout for things to be joyful about today. When you see God working today, take a moment to find joy in Him and praise Him. When He provides good gifts for you, thank Him for all He has done for you. Let this joy carry you as you go throughout your day.
12 Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. 13 Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other.
14 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
15 See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.
16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
19 Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. 20 Do not scoff at prophecies, 21 but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil.
Paul’s Final Greetings
23 Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. 24 God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful.
25 Dear brothers and sisters, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brothers and sisters with a sacred kiss.
27 I command you in the name of the Lord to read this letter to all the brothers and sisters.
28 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
