"Rejoice, Pray, Give Thanks"

January 21

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 

(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) 

This is a powerful and challenging call: to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in every circumstance. It’s not an easy command, especially when life feels heavy or uncertain, but it’s a reminder that these practices are God’s will for us. They are pathways to experiencing His presence and power, even in the midst of trials. 

Joy, prayer, and gratitude are not just emotions; they are disciplines. Rejoicing doesn’t mean ignoring pain—it means focusing on God’s goodness and faithfulness, in spite of our pain. Praying without ceasing invites us to live in constant connection with God, turning to Him in every situation. Giving thanks in all things acknowledges that, even when life is hard, God is still working for our good. 

These practices are transformative especially for those of us who are on the journey of recovery. Joy replaces despair, prayer strengthens our reliance on God, and gratitude shifts our focus from what we’ve lost to what we’ve gained in Christ. Together, they create a foundation for lasting peace and resilience.

How can you cultivate joy, prayer, and gratitude in your daily life? What challenges keep you from practicing these disciplines, and how can you overcome them? 

Lord, thank You for the reminder to rejoice, pray, and give thanks in every situation. Help me to focus on Your goodness and faithfulness, even when life feels difficult. Teach me to live with joy, to pray continually, and to give thanks in all things, trusting that You are working in and through every moment. In your precious name, Amen. 

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Redemptive Recovery

Redemptive Recovery (RR) is a Christian recovery group and program that is modeled on biblical truths. We believe that Jesus Christ has the power to transform our lives and that the bible is our roadmap. RR meets weekly and is for anyone currently navigating the challenges of addiction and also those that are further along in their recovery.

Visit www.redemptiverecovery.org for more information.