It’s Aloha Friday, May 16th, 2025. Today, we say Aloha and congratulations to the graduates of New Hope Christian College’s Centennial Annual Commencement Ceremony. 100 years of God’s faithfulness. 100 years of on-mission purpose. 100 years of accomplishing God’s will.
For our graduates, I’m sure they’re wondering what God’s will is for their life… and truthfully, so are many of us. Is it a job? A calling? A place? A person? We often treat God’s will like a riddle—something we have to solve before we can move forward.
But Paul removes the guesswork. He tells us where to start.
Today's Reading:
1 Kings 1; 1 Chronicles 28; Psalms 91; 1 Thessalonians 5
Scripture
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV)
Observation
We often treat God’s will like a riddle—something we have to solve before we can move forward. But Paul removes the guesswork. God’s will isn’t just about where we go or what we do—it’s about how we live.
Right here, we’re given three things that are absolutely clear:
Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances.
But here’s what struck me: these aren’t just good ideas. They’re God’s strategy for transformation.
Back in chapter 4, Paul says God’s will is our sanctification—removing things like sexual immorality, selfish desire, and idle living. But in chapter 5, he shows us what to replace those things with:
- Joy replaces impurity—because I don’t need cheap pleasure when I have deep joy in the Lord.
- Prayer replaces selfishness—because I trust God more than I trust my own plans, and I’m called to pray for others.
- Gratitude replaces entitlement—because when I’m thankful, I don’t just drift through life. I engage it with purpose.
God’s will isn’t just about stopping wrong habits—it’s about starting the right ones.
Application
Today, I want to live God’s will—not in theory, but in practice. I’ll start here: by choosing joy, even if my emotions don’t line up. I’ll stay in conversation with God constantly—not just when I need or want something. And I’ll give thanks—not just for the good things, but in all things.
Holiness doesn’t happen by accident. It happens by replacement—choosing what reflects God’s heart instead of my own.
I don’t need to wait for a big revelation.
I just need to start here.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for making Your will clear. I often overcomplicate it, but You bring it back to what’s pure and simple: Joy. Prayer. Thanks. Help me trade lesser things for greater things. Fill me with joy that outlasts temptation, prayer that replaces pressure, and gratitude that keeps my heart soft. Today, I choose to start here. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
—Chris Kiriakos