The Three Essential Commands

Today's Word of Wonder: Intentionality

The Scripture Spotlight for Today

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
— 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

The Devotion: The Three Pillars of a Joyful Life

If you are looking for God's clear, unambiguous will for your life, here it is, delivered in three short, powerful, and radical commands. These aren't suggestions; they are directives designed to lift our lives out of anxiety and into lasting Joy.

Notice the word that links all three actions: always or in all circumstances. This tells us that these practices are not reserved for good days, but are the very tools we use to navigate the difficult ones.

1. Rejoice Always (The Mindset): This is the choice to align your mind with the fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11) found in God's presence, regardless of external events. It's a refusal to let discouragement define your outlook.
   
   
2. Pray Continually (The Connection): This is the practice of constant Reliance (Zechariah 4:6) and Intimacy (Psalm 27:8). It means bringing everything—the small, the large, the silly, and the serious—to God without interruption.
   
   
3. Give Thanks in All Circumstances (The Perspective): This is the conscious act of shifting focus from what you lack to what you possess. It is the ultimate antidote to worry (Philippians 4:6-7) and the ultimate demonstration of faith.

The WOW Moment is realizing that these three actions are God's will not because He demands effort, but because He desires our Peace and our happiness. When you actively choose these three pillars, you are practicing Intentionality that guarantees a life filled with purpose, connection, and awe.

Wonder Prompt (Actionable Reflection)

Think about your schedule for the next three hours. It will likely be filled with work, errands, or household tasks.

• Commit to choosing one of the three commands—Rejoice, Pray, or Give Thanks—and consciously practice it for the entire three-hour period.

• Which command did you choose, and how did that intentional practice change the feeling and outcome of the work you were doing?