Deeper Reflection
PAUL’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.

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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