Words of Hope: RPG
I have been signing cards recently with the acronym RPG.
It’s my true north right now. When I get confused, anxious, unsure how to spend my time or focus my thoughts, it is my way forward.
It is the simple reminder of how to live God’s will for our lives.
R stands for “Rejoice always.”
P stands for “pray continually,” and
G stands for “give thanks in all circumstances.”
This is a way for me to know for certain I am doing God’s will.
Sometimes I take each word and ruminate on them slowly. “Rejoice” means to be glad and also means to gladden. How can I be glad and to gladden both God and others? Can I gladden God? That is a wonderful thought to ponder.
“Always” is an interesting word. It rings in my ear as I mop up an overflowed toilet or when I pay a parking ticket. How are we to rejoice always in these momentary annoyances?
I humbly peek at “rejoicing always” during times of suffering. It is too overwhelming for me to consider directly and instead I pray for mercy.
I consider how “rejoicing always” is followed by the prompt to “pray continually”— it’s the inner glue and fabric holding the ability to “rejoice always” and “give thanks in all circumstances.”
I stop to consider the phrase “give thanks.” I picture thanks in my hands, and I give it to God. Do I want to keep the thanks? Do I want to give something else?
Finally, I consider the word, “all.” It is also a deeply humbling word. All circumstances. All is a word that requires all of me. Total faith and obedience. This is God’s will for me.
“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
