Today's passage echoes Paul's charge from Wednesday's passage. At just two words in most translations, this is one of the shortest verses of the Bible. This brings to mind the shortest verse in the Bible (John 11.35, “Jesus wept”). Jesus was no stranger to sorrow and grief (Isaiah 53.3), nor has he called us to become unfeeling ourselves.

But Paul's command, multiple times, is to rejoice, and to do so always—this bears weight, as well. Even in our sorrow and grief, we should not despair. We should not remain in the loss, for to do so would keep our focus ever on ourselves. We should look toward Christ, who has experienced these same feelings, and has given us the Comforter.

He has also made possible a context in which to process those negative experiences in a positive way. Paul did not remain in grief or despair while imprisoned or suffering setbacks. Instead, God used his rejoicing in spite of unfavorable circumstances to encourage fellow Christians and cause those seeking to find salvation.

May the word of God encourage and strengthen us to keep our gaze fixed on Him, the source of our joy.

I Thessalonians 5.16

16 Rejoice always,

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What does it mean to rejoice?

+ When does Paul want us to rejoice?

+ How can we rejoice even when we experience sorrow and grief?

+ Why do you think Paul was giving this command to his readers?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ What is hampering your ability to rejoice always? How can you continue to rejoice through those hardships?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?