Summary

Now in 1 Thessalonians 5:16–22 a number of tough assignments follow. Do they come from a song text or confession? That could well be.

The Greek word “pantote,” meaning always—thus under all circumstances—is striking. That is quite something! Before we lose heart, it is also necessary to listen carefully to Jesus. One might think of a word that he spoke when he and his disciples were on their way to Gethsemane and the arrest that took place there. Dark clouds gathered above his head. He knew how hard it would be for him and his disciples. In that threatening situation, he says to them, You have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you (John 16:22). His disciples received a joy that cannot be stolen. Thus, that is possible with followers of Jesus. However, this is only possible when we stay close to Jesus. The secret of that joy is Jesus himself. He wants to accomplish that through the mission of the Holy Spirit. Jesus even says, That your joy may be full (John 16:24).

So, it is truly possible to always rejoice. The apostle Paul also experienced this (see Philippians 2:18; Philippians 3:1, Philippians 4:4; written while he was in prison! Philippians 1:7) And not only him. Earlier in the letter to the Thessalonians he wrote: you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 1:6).

Rejoice always is therefore not too ambitious. It also fits wonderfully with what an angel said to astonished shepherds on Christmas night: Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people (Luke 2:10). Many centuries later, that joy, wrought by Jesus, may be our portion and inspire us to joyfully go our way on earth (Acts 8:39).