Cultivating A Rhythm Of Inner Christlike Attitudes
BRD REFLECTION 2026
1 Thessalonians 5:12–28 and Psalm 112 (NIV)
(Victor Chan, Pastoral Team Member)
READ:
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Paul was writing to a community of believers who were formerly pagan Gentiles and were undergoing persecution. He praised them for their steadfast faith and addressed questions about Christ’s return. Towards the end of his letter, Paul gave the Thessalonians three short commands: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.” (Italics mine.) Amid their trials and persecution, Paul commanded and exhorted them to rejoice, pray, and give thanks—and to do so continuously and habitually.
Paul also reminded them that when they did so, they demonstrated that God was in control during their trials and persecution. They could do so only by remaining anchored in Christ, not by relying on themselves. In doing so, they showed that they believed in their hearts that God was present and with them and that God was at work, no matter the circumstances or outcome. God is still good and faithful all the time! This is the fruit of a life fully anchored in Christ!
APPLY:
I am reminded of my time in Sunday School, when we would sing “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice” as a musical round (canon). We always had such fun singing and rejoicing non-stop. My life should always be marked by rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks in all circumstances. How often do I fail to let my life be marked by rejoicing, prayer, and gratitude?
Do I treat rejoicing, prayer and gratitude as rewards? Or have they become fruit in my life because of my faith in God? Do I rejoice only when I get what I want, or even when I go through challenges? Do I go to God first in prayer, or only as a last resort? Am I grateful even for the minute, ordinary and daily things in life? Have I cultivated a rhythm of inner Christlike attitudes?
DO:
I will always rejoice, pray and give thanks to God in whatever circumstances that I am in. I will cultivate a rhythm of inner Christlike attitudes daily.
PRAY:
Father God, help me to always rejoice, pray and give thanks in all circumstances in such a way that my life reflects a heart that is fully anchored in Christ.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
