Signal Fire - 1 ThessaloniansSample

Paul gives this string of short but powerful commands: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.” These aren’t suggestions for when life feels easy—they’re invitations to anchor ourselves in God no matter what’s going on. Joy, prayer, and gratitude aren’t about ignoring reality; they’re about living connected to the greater reality of who God is. Even in hard seasons, we can choose joy because our hope is in Him. We can pray continually because He is near. We can give thanks in all things because His goodness never runs out.

Then Paul shifts to a warning and encouragement: “Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.” In other words, stay open to how God is moving, but stay grounded in His truth. The Spirit is alive and active, but not everything we hear is from Him—so we test, we discern, and we cling to what is good. It’s this beautiful balance of being receptive without being naive, hungry for God’s voice but rooted in His Word.

This week, practice weaving joy, prayer, and gratitude into your daily rhythm. Set reminders, write it down, or pause in the middle of your day to reset your focus on Him. Stay open to the Spirit’s leading, and choose to hold tight to the good.

1. What’s one thing in your life right now that makes it hard to “rejoice always”? How might God be inviting you to choose joy anyway?
2. When you think about “praying continually,” what does that look like for you in a normal day?
3. How can you practice giving thanks in your current circumstances, even if they aren’t what you would’ve chosen?
4. What helps you discern what is truly from God and what isn’t?