Scripture
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ.

Observation
Paul commands us to rejoice, pray and be thankful in all circumstances.

We are to remain open to the Holy Spirit. Prophecy is to be tested and received. We must reject what is wrong but hold on to what is good.

God will keep us blameless- body, soul and spirit- until Jesus returns.

Application
Paul here instructs us to look above our immediate natural concerns. In our own nature it is impossible to rejoice always and to be thankful in all circumstances.

But when we insert constant prayer into the lifestyle this becomes possible.

We must always be open to what the Holy Spirit is saying to us. We are not to disrespect prophecy, or the other gifts of the Holy Spirit. In fact we are to pursue them, being discerning and testing all things.

The christian life is meant to be lived on the level of the spirit, not the flesh or the soul. The kingdom of God is based on a living relationship with God and not just on traditions or human strength.

Prayer
Lord help me to always be open to what you are saying whether through the Word or the Holy Spirit. Amen.