This year I've been going through each book of the Bible and reading it in its entirety. It's been a long time since I've read through each book of the Bible, usually I'm just skipping all around or following a Bible reading plan I found online.

It's been so good for me, and I'm pretty sure God knew I needed to dig into his word more and read some very important key scriptures. Yesterday I spent some time in the book of 1 Thessalonians.

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

I've read that verse a several times in my walk with the Lord and each time I'm challenged by it and kicked in the pants a little bit by it.

If we break that verse down line by line and really think about what he's saying to us.

Am I joyful always or just when good things are happening?
Am I praying and bringing to the Lord everything?
Am I thankful no matter what is happening to me or around me?

I have to admit in my human nature I am not always doing any of those things. But when I read that verse it just gave me a little hope and encouragement and a little guide of how God wants me to look at my life.

He wants me to be joyful, he wants me to bring everything to Him and let him take care of my needs, he wants me to be thankful and at peace.

I have learned to be content in whatever the circumstances. Philippians 4:11

This is what I'm resting on today.

Andrea Worley