Deeper ReflectionPAUL’S EXHORTATION, “REJOICE ALWAYS” (V.16), IS FOR THE Thessalonians who were suffering “much affliction” (1 Thess 1:6; 2:14; 3:3). It is “not a sugar-coated call for putting on a happy face in the midst of difficulties”
27. Paul’s “emphasis here is not so much on the experience of joy, but on the active expression of joy”
28 in God’s presence. This rejoicing is possible when it is expressed in unceasing praying and constant thanksgiving to God (vv.17-18). It is a rejoicing in our relationship and fellowship with God. As human followers of Jesus, we can be emotionally disturbed when undergoing suffering. But we can “rejoice in the Lord” (Phil 4:4) without having to bury our feelings.
29 With holistic realism, Peter juxtaposes “rejoice” with “distressed” in undergoing trials (1 Pet 1:6). God considers us “blessed” when we “remain steadfast” in suffering, and in this blessedness, we can rejoice (Jas 1:2-3; 5:11).Recently, I was reflecting on and seeking to apply Psalm 31:7 in facing the daily emotionally draining challenge over my son in his special needs condition: “I will rejoice and be glad in Your steadfast love, because You have seen my affliction; You have known the distress of my soul.” The words “You have seen my affliction; You have known the distress of my soul” minister to me. But I struggled to practise “I will
rejoice and
be glad in Your steadfast love”. Then I realised that to practise that, I must learn to see with eyes of faith God’s steadfast love and faithfulness in my son’s challenging condition. I have not arrived, but am growing, in the practice.
27 Gordon D. Fee, The First and Second Letters to the Thessalonians, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Eerdmans, 2009), 215
28 Gordon D. Fee, 214
29 Gary S. Shogren, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Zondervan, 2012), 224
