"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit."                                1 Thessalonians 5:16-19

I cannot tell you how many times I have wondered what God's will was for my life.  If I had a nickel for every time I was asked about God's will I'd probably have about one hundred dollars.  God's will is something we all want to be in but so many thinks it's evasive and obtainable for only the super-spiritual few.  I want to tell you right here that you can know God's will for your life right here and now.  

God wants His people to be joyful.  Paul says to rejoice always.  Be glad.  Be delighted.  Celebrate!  Be cheerful, you are a cheerleader!  Celebrate the many blessing that God has given to you especially those blessing that are "In Christ".  rejoice in God's forgiveness.  Appreciate God's providential care.  Don't count your problems count your blessings!  Habakkuk my be lesser known than many of the other "majors" but he was someone that you would want to be around...  Check out what he says in 3:17-18,

"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord!  I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!" Habakkuk 3:17-18

I assure you that considering all that God has done for you will bring a smile to your face and joy in your heart.  That's where you want to be.  That's who you want to be.  The is what God wants for you.  God wants you to be a person of joy so stop focusing on what you don't have and look at what God has done for you and in you!

God wants you to pray.  That is God's will for your life.  He wants you to pray continuously, He wants you to pray a lot.  He wants you to not quit praying.  Don't just say "grace" Talk to God and talk often!  Tell Him about all your problems, tell Him about your victories, tell Him about your family and friends.  Tell Him what you feel, see, and do.  Realize this one thing, God is concerned about what concerns you!  It is God's will that you pray!  Did you know that your prayers are being stored up in heaven.  They are precious to God.  Your prayers are a sweet-smelling aroma that will burn like incense in eternity.  Check for yourself in Revelation 5:8; 8:3-4.  Your prayers are a kingdom investment!  So, don't quit praying, it's God's will for your life.

God wants you to be thankful.  In everything give thanks.  That means thank God for everything.  Don't just thank Him for the good, thank Him for the bad.  Remember, God uses those tough times for good.  Thank God when someone gets saved, thank God when your see your family, thank God for your work, Thank the Lord for traffic, to-do lists, obstacles of all sorts.  whatever side of life you are on be thankful and express your gratefulness to the Lord and others.  Did you know thankfulness reduces depression and anxiety?  Yup, thankfulness reduces depression and produces happiness.  I know, I know, you are wondering what should I be thankful for.  Let me ask you somethings.  Are you breathing?  Have you eaten today?  Can you see?  Can you walk?  Do you have a family? Do you love Jesus?  Do you know He loves you?  Seems silly but start there and let er rip!  Thankfulness is contagious to you and to other people.  

God's will is not evasive.  God's will is not a mystery.  God's will is obtainable.  It's not always easy but it's right and better than the alternative.  So, make it a point this Thanksgiving season to be right in the center of God's will. Keep in mind, what you do today will be easier tomorrow.  Turn your Thanksgiving Day into a thanksgiving life by being a grateful, celebrating, prayer warrior.  May the Lord dwell richly in you and the love of Christ light up your surroundings.

PD