Imagine that you owed an enormous debt that must be paid, or else you would be put to death! You began to see things to pay the debt. You might start selling your clothes until you had one set of clothes left. But the debt is still not paid! You continue selling more things…your bicycle…the things you used for hobbies…eventually your car, determining you would just have to walk everywhere…at least you still had your life.
In desperation, you resort to selling your home so that you live on the street, thinking once again, “At least I’m alive.” Ultimately, all pride gone…you sell your final set of clothes so that you are now homeless and naked. Yet, the debt still being unpaid, you must finally give your greatest possession, you surrendered your life to be taken.
Our life itself is without a doubt our greatest earthly possession! No discussion, right?! NOW, I think we are ready to in some way be able understand the great depth and value of this verse – Psalm 63:3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise You. God’s unending, unquenchable love for His children is such a treasured possession that it is of more value to us than our very physical life itself! And the wonderful truth inherent in the Hebrew word itself is that it never, ever, wains or diminishes…no matter how we may struggle on our end!
Therefore…the verse 1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice always, is for the follower of Jesus Christ, always possible!