If you are interested, my church used some video of my testimony in Part 1 and 2 of the current sermon series called “Frantic”. It was really neat to take part. You can see them at these links:

http://www.therevolution.tv/sermons/play/frantic/part1 http://www.therevolution.tv/sermons/play/frantic/part2

I was reading through 1 Thessalonians this morning and came across a well-worn verse.

pray continually; 1 Thes. 5:17

I have often read or heard this verse and come to one simple conclusion: I am not praying enough. That may be true, but is too simplistic and I don’t believe it really gets at the heart of this exhortation. Yes, we should pray without ceasing. However, it does not set right with my heart when my first-glance reading of scripture brings feelings of inadequacy because of a New Testament standard I feel I could never live up to.

Fortunately, the Holy Spirit does not give us this verse in isolation. He beautifully sandwiches it between two other verses (read context) that give it color and practicality. Back up one verse and this is what you read.

Be joyful always; 1 Thes. 5:16

Well that doesn’t seem any better! Seriously, how am I to be joyful when the world comes crashing down on me? When I am struggling and the shame hits me, the last thing I feel is joyful. That is where this gets exciting. Let’s read those verses together with some inline commentary.

Be joyful always; 1 Thes. 5:16

But how?

pray continuously; 1 Thes 5:17

Joy is linked to prayer. Taken alone, this still seems like a burdensome command that I could never live up to. I don’t always feel joyful and I quite often throw prayer out the window. Fortunately there is more context to help us along.

Be joyful always; 1 Thes 5:16

But how?

pray continuously; 1 Thes. 5:17

What does it look like to always be joyful and pray continuously?

give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thes. 5:18

There it is. I knew something was missing! The wonderful thing is that the key I needed to unlock my understanding of an often-quoted, guilt-laden admonishment from scripture was right there all the time; right there in the context!

No matter what happens in my life, however I am feeling, I can choose to be thankful to and for Jesus Christ. When things are good, I can choose to thank my Heavenly Father for his blessings. When things are bad, no matter how dark, I can choose to thank Jesus for salvation, for loving me enough to die for my sins, and all that he has done in my life.

Choosing to give thanks in all circumstances lifts our hearts to God in simple prayer and fills us with joy knowing that we are dearly loved. May we all take advantage of the grace given to us by God the Holy Spirit when we accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and choose to be thankful in any and every circumstance. Regardless of how bad our struggles are or how hopeless we feel, we can always find something for which we can be thankful.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Php. 4:4-7

Shame is such a deep wound that haunts those of us dealing with sexual sin. So much so that we can stiff-arm God; rejecting his open invitation to enjoy his presence. Our shame shouts in our ears and deafens us to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit that says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened…” (Matt. 11:28).

Steve McVey blogged about how salvation itself isn’t about us accepting Jesus as our “Personal Lord and Savior” as touted in so many evangelical circles. But rather, it is a proclamation that because of Jesus Christ God accepts us just the way we are. We only have to put our faith in Christ. This is earth-shattering news to those living in deep shame!

Take a minute to read Steve’s post and maybe leave him an encouraging comment.