The Rhythm of Rejoicing

Special Gratitude Edition

Guest Post by Matt and Grethel Barnes

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:7

For many years, before we accepted Jesus as our Savior, our lives were centered on control. We gave thanks to ourselves first, believing we were the authors of our own story. But that kind of life was only surface-deep, very busy, full of anxiety, and never truly at peace. We chased the next thing and measured success by results and feared the day-to-day uncertainty of what we couldn’t control.

Then we discovered that a life with Christ in the center offers a different rhythm, one that runs deeper than the surface. It’s the rhythm of rejoicing, praying, being grateful for everything, and resting in the peace of God. We’re called to “rejoice always,” not just when life feels easy. We’re called to “pray continually,” living in constant dependence on God. And we’re told to “give thanks in all circumstances,” holding on to gratitude even when we can’t see the win.

When we began to walk in that rhythm, something shifted within us. The peace of God, the kind that surpasses all understanding, began to guard our hearts and minds.

How does this look every day? It looks like waking up on a Monday morning with a prayer of surrender instead of a groan of dread. It looks like whispering, “Lord, here I am, and I trust You,” in the middle of a tense work email or a chaotic home moment with the kids. It looks like choosing gratitude when the numbers don’t add up, the schedule is packed, and the margin feels thin. Not because you’re ignoring reality, but because you’re anchored to something greater. It’s even looking back at our own lives and being grateful that the Lord had us endure hard moments; because we know now that He was never against us, but rather He was guiding us through valleys that He knew we would overcome and that we would one day use for His glory.

Something beautiful has taken root in our lives and within our family in general. As gratitude has grown, the peace of God has begun to guard our inner life day by day. Our hearts carry less fear. Our minds are less haunted by “what-ifs.” The King of Peace has taken residence within us.

 Music is a big part of our family so the song “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake resonates so deeply. It captures the posture of a surrendered heart: “So I throw up my hands and praise You again and again, ’cause all that I have is a hallelujah.”

When you realize that all you truly have — and all you truly need — is Jesus, then hallelujah becomes your natural response.

Rejoice because you belong to Christ.

Pray because He is near.

Give thanks because His goodness will never fail.

Rest in His peace, which guards your heart and mind even when the world doesn’t make sense.

We’ve found a new rhythm now, one where gratitude is more than a response, it’s a way of life. This gratitude no longer depends on outcomes; it’s built on relationship. We don’t thank God because everything has worked out, we thank Him because He is present, faithful, and good in every circumstance. We have lived on the other side away from Him and are just so grateful that He never stopped seeking us because living out the rest of our days knowing Him is more than we could have asked for.

And from that place, we will live in His name, speak in His name, act in His name, and through it all, our gratitude will rise to the Father.