Last week, we talked about 1 Thessalonians, specifically chapter 5.  And even more specifically, verses 16-18 in that chapter: 

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

We seem to have no problem rejoicing and thanking God when things are going well. 

We seem to have no problem praying continually when things are going bad. 

But this command is not based on our circumstances.  The command to rejoice always, pray continually, and to thank God is about obedience and not situational.  God loves us unconditionally, and our obedience to Him should also be unconditional. 

If we are truly loving God, if we are living for Him, then we will be rejoicing always, praying continually, and giving thanks in all circumstances. And it is easy to do when our focus is on God and not on ourselves.  We become a joy-filled believer, who is a praying believer, and a thankful believer, because we know that this is God's will for us in Christ Jesus.