Three Things to Do in 2025

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

One of the places you can go and find the specific will of God is 1 Thessalonians 5. Verses 16-18 give the explicit will of God for us. Practice these three things in 2025 to advance the Kingdom and bring glory to God.

  1. Make the Choice to Rejoice. Notice, there is no command to feel joyful. Rejoicing is a decision of the will. It is a choice. When we see ourselves the way God sees us, no circumstances, conditions, or problems have to influence the way we react. It would be natural to feel down when things do not go our way, but we can still rejoice because we know God loves us and always has our best interest in mind. Life can be painful, but we do not have to let the pain control us. We can choose to rejoice; this is the will of God for us. So, make the choice to rejoice in 2025.

  2. Pray Always. How does one pray without ceasing? In 2025, make prayer an unconscious practice or way of thinking. Discipline your mind to share your heart with God continually. Never stop thinking of the divine and include the Lord in all your thoughts. Let the Word of God transform your mind so that you always think to communicate with God first and foremost. When trouble comes, pray! When needs arise, pray! When you do not know what to do, pray! He hears and will answer you. This is the glory of prayer. God listens and responds. Pray always in 2025.

  3. Give Thanks. Again, there are many things that happen in life that are not positive. This world is full of pain and failure because of sin. We do not have to feel it, but it is God's will for us to receive everything as from the Lord. If we know God is in control of the universe and that nothing slips His mind, we can be confident that He knows what is best for us and He will do it (Rom. 8:28). If we know this, then we can accept everything that comes our way with gratitude. We can develop an Attitude of Gratitude. We can give thanks in everything. May be not FOR everything, but in everything. We are not told to like it or feel. We are simply commanded to be grateful. Thanksgiving is a powerful way to think. It keeps us humble as we contemplate God as the source of all things. It reminds us to think of others instead of ourselves. Thanksgiving reveals a heart of trust in the Lord as we acknowledge His care in our lives. In 2025, give thanks. After all, this is God's will for us!

DIKL