Fields United Methodist Church

Jesus Along the Way: Words of Grace and Hope.                              Pastor Tom Joyce

September 9, 2020

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  I Thessalonians 5:16-18

It seems every time there is a natural disaster someone declares that it is “God’s will.” Yet the Bible reveals the heart of God and describes in glorious detail that God’s will truly is about living a new life in the abundance of God’s grace, sharing it, and rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks as a lifestyle that celebrates and lives out the 2 incredible commands of Jesus to, “love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your strength, mind, and soul, while loving our neighbor.” We are called to rejoice all the time, pray for all people without ceasing, and to give thanks in all circumstances. Our Lord Jesus offered each of us grace not just for ourselves but to share grace wherever life’s journey takes us. Rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks is contagious and will transform lives. I was in a hospital with a family member and stepped out in the hall momentarily to check an email that was sent to me by a friend, offering support. As I read it and noted the “GIF” that was attached I celebrated with a “thank you Jesus” and laughter, of course being conscious of those who were on the floor recovering from various medical challenges. Here is what I witnessed; some looked at me with disdain and questioning how I could be celebrating anything in the hospital, but most smiled and laughed, not even knowing what I read! Funny thing about joy; people need it as much as they need their medications! A lifestyle of rejoicing, praying, and thanksgiving (my definition of a lifestyle of joy) does not diminish the challenges of day to day living but just takes the edge off, a lot. Living a life of joy is a gift God has given you as you journey along the way, a gift that is so appreciated by all people because it is unifying, soothing, and healing; it is a gift that celebrates rather condemns, offers grace rather than judgment, forgiveness rather than vengeance, and hope in place of hopelessness.  No matter where your life is headed and the turns along the way, “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, [and] give thanks in all circumstances;” do this and you will know the will of God and the resultant joy will set you free!

Rev. Tom Joyce