By Rev. Bill Tilney

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (I Thes. 5:16, NKJ)

As I travel in ministry, the question I am asked most frequently is, “How do I know the will of God?” My answer is always the same: “Read the Word of God.” His will is revealed in His Word. They often press me again saying, “I know, but how do I know the will of God for my life?” My reply: “If you read the Word you’ll see it says to rejoice always, pray without ceasing and in everything
give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Should I go to Bible School or find a job? Get married or stay single? Look for a new job or stay in the current one? The answer is the same. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks. Following this direct command from God places us in His will already. Then it doesn’t matter whether times are good or bad, we’re positioned to go through it as He directs.

We tend to divide our lifestyle into two categories: what to do when times are good, and what to do when times are bad. Unlike people, God has one will for His people during all times—good or bad.  Our perspective on the times may change, but His will is steady. Our response to the question of what we should be doing when things are going well should be, the same as you do when things are going bad.

The Apostle Paul is a good example of this principle. He probably wrote the letter we know as the book of Philippians during his first Roman imprisonment, about AD 61. In it, he exhorts the church to “stand fast… be of the same mind… rejoice in the Lord always… in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:1,2,4,6,7 NKJ)

Despite Paul’s personal hardships, the dominant note in his letter is joy. True joy is found only in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the assurance that God is able to turn adverse circumstances to our good and His glory. Paul was united with Christ through a living faith. He could be content in all circumstances based on his relationship with God through Christ. It didn’t matter what kind of day or month or year Paul was having, he behaved the same way—he rejoiced, he prayed, he was thankful to God.

Our perspective is based on what we see. Worry is centered on self; faith centers on God. Understanding God’s perspective requires that we tear ourselves away from fearful thoughts and perceptions, and focus on His Word. Through it we see a heavenly perspective, not a limited, earthly view. It is easy to rejoice in the Lord, give thanks and pray when we are looking from a heavenly perspective.

We must study the Word when everything is going well to prepare for the times of crisis
and change. It is essential to your life as a child of God and your development of a Christ-like character. A good test of your faith level is what comes out your mouth in times of crisis. Can you rejoice in the Lord, give thanks and pray?

The foundation of a building is what sustains the structure against storms, earthquakes
and other destructive forces that come against it. The structure doesn’t hold itself together, it simply rests on its foundation. The strength of the foundation enables the building to stand against external forces.
Jesus and His Word are the only foundation we can depend on with complete confidence.
“For we who have believed do enter that rest….”(Heb.4:3 NKJ) We can simply rest on our foundation, Jesus!

Rev. Bill Tilney is Assistant Pastor at Praise Fellowship Church. He has traveled
extensively and is the author of Fuel for the Fire: Man’s Insecurities are the Devil’s Security.