The Mirror of the Word and other works by C.E. White can be purchased on her website, cewhitebooks.com or on Amazon.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”

—1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

Rejoice, pray, give thanks—three things that aren’t always easy to do, but we’re told to do them constantly.

This means we must be intentional and conscientious about doing them all the time, but especially when things are difficult.

When we’re frustrated, irritated, exhausted, or scared, we can choose to sing a worship song, praise the Lord for who he is, take everything to him in prayer, and thank him for what he’s done for us already. This sends us to the source of true comfort and serves to remind us of things we often forget in trials—that our God is good, he loves us, and will never leave or forsake us.

Praise while we’re in the miry pit is powerful—like Paul and Silas singing in the prison after being beaten, stripped, and chained. God showed up and opened the prison doors for them, but in an action that was probably inexplicable to anyone watching, they chose not to escape.

As they prayed, God gave them insight as to the eternal purpose in their pain and that great purpose became stronger than their need to escape. Many came to salvation because of their rejoicing and praying in the trial (Acts 16:22–30).

Being in the pit isn’t always about getting out; sometimes it’s about how we can bring others to God from within.

So let’s rejoice, pray, and give thanks while we’re there, and be open to hearing from the Lord about when it’s time to escape the pit or to stay there for the sake of bringing others into glorious eternity with us.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download