Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

Are there some circumstances that Bible verses just don’t apply to?

Isabel had been traveling with three small children for 14 hours. Their flights had been a nightmare. The airplane bathroom was broken, they hadn’t served food the kids could eat and all three children under six were fussing or wailing!

There’s a verse in the Bible that doesn’t feel very applicable when we’re in situations like Isabel’s. It says, “Always be joyful” (1 Thessalonians 5:16). How is this even possible? The key lies in the following two verses of 1 Thessalonians 5:17 and 18, which says, “Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

When you belong to Jesus, you have God’s wildest, most immense promise. He says that He, the master and creator of the universe, will work all things together for your good (Romans 8:28). That might not be something you can see at this moment, but it’s the grand promise for your life and eternity as a follower of Jesus. This promise gives us a joy that isn’t logically based on circumstances. You are not forgotten! You are not abandoned (2 Corinthians 4:9-11)! You are seen, known, and loved.

As you turn toward Jesus in moments of hardship or exhaustion, tell Him all of your troubles, then look around. Isabel did, and as she started to pray, she saw God’s small mercies and began to thank Him. She thanked God for the kindness of a woman who helped her hold the baby. She thanked God for reminding her to pack some apples. She thanked God until her outlook began to change into one of real joy, knowing God was with her!