The Power of ThanksgivingEsimerkki

The Power of Joy in Thanksgiving

By Danny Saavedra

"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" Philippians 4:4 (NKJV) 

If you remember, in Philippians 3: I, the apostle Paul said, "Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe:' It's interesting that one chapter later, he reminds them again-actually twice in this verse-to rejoice. 

The Greek word used here for rejoice is chairete. This word occurs 11 times in the New Testament and six of those instances were from the apostle Paul to three different churches—Thessalonica, Corinth, Philippi. Seven times, suffering surrounded the context of rejoicing. The word is defined as being glad for grace; to experience God's grace and favor, to be conscious (glad) for His grace. It's where we get our word for charity. 

Interestingly, chairete was always used in classical Greek greetings and farewells ("Joy be with you!"), much like the Jewish people use "Shalom.” And here, the apostle used this word over and over again, four times in a very brief letter by Paul's standards—to call attention to its meaning. He wanted the Philippians to immerse themselves in the gladness and gratitude that comes from recognizing the immensity and indescribable nature of God's grace. He wanted them to be aware of this grace at all times. 

You see, the apostle Paul believed with all his heart that joy was a requirement for the believer. Why? Because once you recognize what God's grace means for your life and destiny, how could you not rejoice and give thanks in everything? How could you not live with a permanent attitude of gratitude? This, of course, does not mean being happy about every circumstance, nor does it mean that you can't experience grief, pain, or sorrow (see Philippians 2:27). As I’m sure you already know, happiness is circumstantial, whereas joy is a lifestyle . . . it’s an attitude, a way of approaching the world based on the understanding of who Christ is and who you are in Christ. 

So, Christ-follower, today, tomorrow, and every day until God calls you home or the Lord Jesus returns, rejoice and be glad! For the big and the little things, for the mundane and the monumental, for the challenging and the rewarding, thank the Lord for His unending and unfailing grace. Remember today and forever, you are a child of God, His heir, a coheir with Christ. You have a rich heavenly inheritance, and even on your worst day, when you've lost everything, you are still rich and full because He will never leave you or forsake you! How can we not be filled with joy and gratitude if we live with the gospel of God’s grace through Jesus at the forefront of our minds and hearts?