Certainly you’ve heard the age-old phrase, “keep your chin up.” How many variations of this sentiment do we have floating through our conversations when we’re going through tough times? “Keep your chin up.” “Focus on the positive.” “There’s a light at the end of the tunnel.” “Look on the bright side.” How many times has this advice actually inspired joy in your heart? Chances are there aren’t many. I usually just smile, nod, and think to myself, “What does she know? He doesn’t understand my pain. Nobody really knows what I’m going through.”

When I’m facing a trial and I’m reminded of Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 5 that say, “Rejoice Always,” my gut reaction is, “Oh, really? Why? How could I possibly rejoice in this?” 

Context is everything. At the time of this letter which Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica, he himself had faced hardship. He had been persecuted, beaten, terrorized, imprisoned, hated, and then some. Paul knew pain. Paul knew struggle. Paul knew fear. Paul had originally come to Thessalonica after suffering persecution, and shortly after that he had to suddenly flee the city due to persecution. 

Along with Paul, we should also talk about the rest of the Christians in Thessalonica. These believers were coming under physical attack daily for their faith. As you can imagine, it was  tough for them to persevere. Paul’s whole letter to the Thessalonians is written to encourage those Christians to “keep their chins up” and remain steadfast in the face of trial by taking comfort and hope in God’s grace… And Paul can say that, he’s been through it! Basically, he is writing to remind these believers of the victory that belongs to them in Christ Jesus. Paul explains that Christ gives hope here and now because of his death and resurrection. On top of that, we know that when He returns, He will rescue, reward, perfect, resurrect, and sanctify all who trust in God’s grace.

In short, the main message is: Rejoice anyways. You have Jesus.

This is summed up nicely in the final chapter of 1 Thessalonians, when Paul says in verses 16-18: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

Can we be real for a moment? That sounds nice, but we’re all human. We all default to our sinful nature from time to time. When we give in to the devil, our default is to be grumpy always, let our opinions continually be made known to discourage others, and complain in all circumstances. But this is the will of the evil one. He wants to divide us and tear us down from the inside out. 

But God comes in and says, “Hey, I know that it’s difficult to endure these pains, trials, and temptations. But I have a better way. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances. This is my will for you.”  

As we talked about, the Thessalonians didn’t have it easy. Their daily life was rougher than most. However, these Christians received the gospel from Paul with such earnestness that they remained steadfast in it despite suffering and persecution. They became a beautiful example of faith to congregations everywhere.

Lord, let us have that kind of resilient faith in our generation today. May we trust that God is for us, with us, and is working everything for our good. I can rejoice, no matter the circumstance!

Though the enemy surrounds us, we will fear no evil. Satan is a defeated enemy who has no power over us! I can rejoice anyways, knowing that I have victory in Jesus!

When life gets tough and the cards are stacked against us, remember that God goes before us and has already made a way through. I can rejoice anyways, because God has always and will always make a way!

When we are fearful of the future or chained by the giants in our past, the Lord fights for us! He works outside of our earthly construct of time. He encompasses the past, present, and future. I can rejoice anyways, because God is always with me and his power is working for me!

Repeat these words to yourself every day. Post these verses on your bathroom mirror or beside your bed as a daily reminder that in Jesus, we can rejoice anyways.

I will leave you with the blessing of comfort that Paul bestowed upon the Thesalonian Christians in verses 23-24:

“May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” 

By writing these devotions, it is my hope that the Lord will use my words to stir your faith and inspire you to live it out wherever you may be. However, His Words are more powerful than mine ever could be.

For further reading and personal study, consider these verses: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 | Nehemiah 8:10 | Isaiah 55

For a time of worship, consider this song: Joy Is Coming by Todd Galberth

Like this devotion? Have an idea or a comment to share? I’d love to hear from you!

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