REJOICING IN HARD TIMES
“We don’t have to know everything in order to have peace.”
Written by Natalie W. | Current WC Eighth-Grader
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18
What I love about 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 is that even in the times when we are confused or frustrated about things we can’t control, or the plans we had get changed, we can remember God’s will for us. No, it’s not a blueprint of life or step-by-step directions, but it’s a reminder that when we are unhappy and plans change, God still calls us to rejoice. Psalm 30:5 says, “Weeping may stay for the night but rejoicing comes in the morning.” This verse tells me that rejoicing will come. God never said we will not face trials–in fact He said we will face trials. Coronavirus was not a trial we were 100% prepared for but has taught us more about what it means to rejoice in all circumstances. Missing out on school, sports, and events is sad and disappointing, but God calls us to rejoice.
During these times of uncertainty, it’s important to remember that we don’t have to know everything in order to have peace. Although we do not know everything that the future holds, we have to remember that God holds the world in His hands. We can still rejoice in the fact that we have a Father who loves us and takes care of us. Times may be hard now, but joy will come.
It is also God’s will that we “give thanks in all circumstances.” We can give thanks for the teachers that are trying to give us the best education even while being home. We can give thanks for the first responders and those risking their lives helping others right now. There are many things yet for which we can give thanks!
God recognizes and sees our pain. Of course being thankful at all times is something we all struggle with because we are not perfect and that is okay. But God reminds us that by rejoicing, being thankful, and through prayer we are fulfilling His will for us.
Prayer: Lord, help me to rejoice during these times of uncertainty. Although I do not know what will happen, I can have peace in knowing You are in control. I pray for those who have been effected by the coronavirus. Help me to grow spiritually and to seek You. I love and praise You for all that You do. Amen.
[Editor’s Note: The Philippians 4:8 Project is a daily centering of the WC community’s collective hearts and minds on “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”]