"What does God want from me, and what does he want for me?" These two big questions nag us throughout life. We try to decide on a career, a school, a partner—or even smaller things, like what book to read, film to see, or game to play. And we may wonder, "What does God want?"

Well, one thing is clear: he wants us to rejoice—always!

The adverb "always" trips us up. How is it possible to rejoice always? How can we give thanks when we are sick or in a recession, or when we get a poor grade or lose a friend?

It must be possible, or God would not "will" it for us.

Moreover, Paul makes it plain enough, even adding that we are to "give thanks in all circumstances." A preacher may point out to us in a sermon sometime that "rejoice" and "give thanks" are related in the Greek language in which Paul was writing. Both words have grace as their root.

I wonder if it helps to ponder the last words of verse 18: "in Christ Jesus."

I may have lost my job or wrecked my car, but God wills me to rejoice anyway "in Christ Jesus." This will take some pondering, but there is a way to joy there. (Hint: Giving thanks in all circumstances is not the same as giving thanks for all circumstances.)