DATE POSTED
Friday, May 8, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Living Bible (TLB).

¹⁵ ….. always try to do good to each other and to everyone else. ¹⁶ Always be joyful. ¹⁷ Always keep on praying. ¹⁸ No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

I believe every believer desires to know and follow the will of God. Yet, as we all know, Satan works tirelessly to distract us from anything that draws us closer to the Lord. Unless we intentionally keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, we can easily become discouraged, distracted, and uncertain about how to truly please God.

In First Epistle to the Thessalonians 5:15–18, Paul gives believers several powerful reminders that reveal the heart of a person who is walking in God’s will: be joyful always, pray continually, and give thanks in every circumstance.

At first, some may wonder how this is even possible. How can we remain joyful during loss, hardship, sickness, disappointment, or uncertainty? But perhaps we must first understand the difference between happiness and joy.

Happiness often depends on circumstances. We are happy when life goes well—when a child succeeds, when prayers are answered the way we hoped, or when blessings overflow. But joy runs much deeper. True joy comes from knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Circumstances may change, but the presence of Christ within us does not. Because of that, even in difficult seasons, we can still possess a deep and steady joy that the world cannot take away.

Paul also tells us to pray continually. Many people once believed prayer could only happen while kneeling quietly in a certain place. But God is not limited by location or circumstance. He hears us wherever we are. Prayer is really a continual awareness of God’s presence and a heart that stays connected to Him throughout the day.

Whether driving to work, facing an emergency, celebrating a blessing, or grieving a loss, we can speak to our Father at any moment—and He hears us. Paul encourages us to live with hearts constantly turned toward God.

Finally, Paul says we are to give thanks in every circumstance. This may be one of the hardest commands of all, because it requires us to trust and accept the will of God even when life hurts.

It is easy to thank God when life is going well. But when sickness comes, when dreams fall apart, or when we experience deep loss, gratitude becomes an act of faith. Giving thanks during painful seasons does not mean we enjoy suffering; it means we trust that God is still present, still loving, still faithful, and still in control.

God never changes. The same God who walks with us through our victories also walks beside us through our tears. His desire is not that we pretend life is easy, but that we remain anchored in Him through every season of life.

I love Paul’s concluding reminder: “For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” What comfort to know that God has a plan for His children—those He loves deeply and for whom He is preparing an eternal home.

So today, let us ask ourselves: Are we willing to trust God completely? Can we accept His will not only in the joyful moments, but also in the difficult ones? One thing is certain: He remains faithful through it all.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
Teach me to trust You in every season of life. When circumstances are joyful, help me to praise You with gratitude. When life becomes difficult, help me to rest in Your promises and remember that You are still good. Give me a heart that rejoices in Your presence, a spirit that prays continually, and faith that thanks You even before I understand Your plans. Help me to surrender my own desires and fully accept Your perfect will for my life. Draw me closer to You through every victory and every trial. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, as you will also find that option on this page. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian Walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!