Daily Devotion

Dear Berean TEAM and Friends –

1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 says, “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing.”

If you have trusted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior by faith (Col 1:20), your immediate and continual response to the gospel and your salvation should be, to “rejoice evermore!” It is more than just an emotion; it literally means to have praise in our hearts to God at all times. We should always be filled with praise and giving glory to God (Ps 30:12). We should not be ashamed to express it both visibly and vocally (Isa 42:12). Because it is still God's will for His people to praise Him (Heb 13:15)! Christians ought to be filled with the sounds of His praise. But there are times when life is hard. It is very difficult to find words of praise and thanksgiving, when our heart is full of sorrow and struggles. However, praising God even through troublous times (Ps 91), can actually help guide us in our prayers (Ps 34:17-19). Any circumstances that we may encounter in life should never hinder our prayers (v. 17). Our attitude of prayer should be to leave an open line of communication to God all the time. When needs arise throughout the day, we are constantly ready to call upon His name (Jer 33:3). Even when life throws you a curve ball, you need to maintain that attitude of praise every day (Ps 61:8)! Praise God in the storms and praise Him through the many challenges that you will face (2 Cor 12:9-10). You have to make the choice to fill your heart with words of praise and thanksgiving to God (Lk 6:45). Turn your eyes upon Jesus, and allow Him to surround you with His love and strength (Heb 12:2). Every Christian should always be in that place of prayer. When we are, the Lord shall hear us and will answer according to His will (1 Jn 5:14-15)! You may be in the middle of some trials, but in everything give thanks (v. 18)! Because God loves you and cares for you (1 Pet 5:7)! God bless you!

-Pastor Melito Barrera