Rejoice Always, Pray Continually, Give Thanks in All Things

A Word for Our Daily Walk

When Paul writes to the Thessalonians, he closes with a rapid-fire list of commands. It almost feels like bullet points at the end of a letter. And I love that—because sometimes bullet points are easier to hold on to. They are direct, memorable, and powerful.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:16–24, Paul gives us some of the most challenging yet life-giving instructions in all of Scripture:


Each one is short enough to write on a sticky note, but deep enough to guide your whole life. Let’s walk through these words together.

Rejoice Always

Paul says, “Rejoice always.” Another way to put it: “Always be joyful.”

But let’s be honest—doesn’t that feel almost impossible? If you asked me to rank the hardest commands in the Bible to live out every day, this one would be near the top, right beside “Do not be anxious about anything.” Because when I’m anxious, I’m usually not joyful. When I’m discouraged, when life is overwhelming, joy feels far away.

That’s because happiness and joy aren’t the same thing. Happiness is tied to circumstances—things, people, and daily ups and downs. Joy, though, is anchored in something deeper. My joy doesn’t depend on whether life is smooth or stressful. My joy comes from the unchanging faithfulness of God.

God has promised never to leave us. He has promised never to put more on us than we can bear. He has promised that His grace is sufficient. Those promises don’t fade, even when life feels dark. And that’s why Paul can tell us to rejoice always—because our joy isn’t rooted in today’s circumstances but in God’s eternal faithfulness.

Pray Continually

How do we live with that kind of constant joy? Paul gives the next step: “Pray continually.”

That doesn’t mean we spend all day on our knees in silence. It means we live with an open line of communication to the Father. A constant dialogue. A steady awareness that God is with me, listening, guiding.

Think about it—when I call a close friend on a hard day, the situation may not change, but my perspective does. The simple act of talking shifts my focus. Prayer does the same thing, but infinitely more.

When I keep that ongoing conversation with God, my eyes stay fixed on Him instead of my problems. And when my eyes are fixed on Him, it becomes possible to rejoice always.

Give Thanks in All Circumstances

The next command ties the first two together: “Give thanks in all circumstances.”

Paul doesn’t say to give thanks for all circumstances, but in them. Even in storms, there are reasons to thank God. Even in the middle of trials, He is present, He is working, and His blessings are still around us.

I think of the story where Jesus calmed the storm. Before He stilled the waves, He had already told the disciples, “Let’s go to the other side.” That was His promise. But in their fear, they forgot His word and they forgot His presence. We do the same.

Gratitude helps us remember. When I take time to thank God—even for small things—it shifts my focus away from fear and back onto His promises. Gratitude fuels joy. Gratitude strengthens prayer. Gratitude anchors faith.

Do Not Quench the Spirit

Paul also warns: “Do not quench the Spirit.” Another translation says, “Do not put out the Spirit’s fire.”

That image is powerful. God has placed His Spirit within us, a living flame that guides, convicts, comforts, and empowers. But through neglect, sin, or stubbornness, I can dampen that flame. I can choose to ignore the Spirit’s leading.

Instead, I want to fan the flame. I want to let the Spirit burn brightly in my life—through obedience, through worship, through openness to God’s prompting. When I do, His joy becomes more than a command—it becomes a reality.

Test Everything, Hold on to the Good

In the same breath, Paul tells us to test everything. Not every voice is from God. Not every idea that sounds spiritual is true. But the Word of God gives us discernment.

I have to measure everything against Scripture, holding fast to what is good and rejecting what is not. That’s not negativity—it’s wisdom. And wisdom protects the Spirit’s flame in my life.

The God of Peace Is Faithful

Paul closes this section with a prayer:

“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.”

That’s the encouragement I need. These commands are not burdens I carry alone. They are invitations into the life God empowers by His Spirit. And He is faithful—He will equip me to live them out.

Living the Bullet Points

So what do we do with these bullet points at the end of Paul’s letter?


These aren’t just rules to check off. They’re a lifestyle. A way of walking daily with Christ until He comes again.

And in all of it, I rest in the truth: “The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.”