This is an interpretation of I Thessalonians 5:1-8 as it appears in the Message. We place this here because of its utter simplicity of expression regarding a matter that only our hearts can reach, and that by faith. This is a passage to cheer us up.

1-3 I don't think, friends, that I need to deal with the question of when all this is going to happen. You know as well as I that the day of the Master's coming can't be posted on our calendars. He won't call ahead and make an appointment any more than a burglar would. About the time everybody's walking around complacently, congratulating each other—"We've sure got it made! Now we can take it easy!"—suddenly everything will fall apart. It's going to come as suddenly and inescapably as birth pangs to a pregnant woman.

4-8 But friends, you're not in the dark, so how could you be taken off guard by any of this? You're sons of Light, daughters of Day. We live under wide open skies and know where we stand. So let's not sleepwalk through life like those others. Let's keep our eyes open and be smart. People sleep at night and get drunk at night. But not us! Since we're creatures of Day, let's act like it. Walk out into the daylight sober, dressed up in faith, love, and the hope of salvation.

DEAR FATHER, my heart rejoices in the hope that is ours. Oh, it is a hope that is steadfast and sure! We have assurance because we have already trusted Your Son as our Savior. We have assurance in our salvation because we have become new persons. We also have assurance because Your Son is our Life. We praise You! We love You!