Choosing to Rejoice!

1 Thessalonian 5:13 says; “REJOICE ALWAYS!” This is one of the shortest verses in the Bible, but a very important one. In the Greek text, the word is chairete which comes from the word chairo which comes from the root char meaning “favorably disposed, leaning toward.” But what are we favorably disposed or leaning toward? Our problems? Our pain? Our circumstances? No. If we do that, we will never rejoice. The word translated “rejoice” is also a derivation of charis which means “grace.” Thus, we are not favorably disposed and leaning toward our circumstances; we are favorably disposed and leaning toward God’s grace. Literally, to rejoice is to experience God’s grace (favor) and be conscious (glad) for His grace. When I learned this, it became much easier to follow the command to rejoice in all circumstances.

I can rejoice when I turn on the news. (I know, it’s difficult!)

I can rejoice when a car pulls out in front of me or I get behind a poker.

Madge can rejoice when she is feeling horrible after chemo? Why? Because she is favorable disposed and leaning toward God’s grace.

What are you leaning toward in your life? When you lean toward something, you begin to move in that direction. Are you moving toward your problem or toward God’s grace? Is your inclination to focus on the negative or the positive of who God is and what He has done for you? The Christian faith does not deny the reality of pain and struggle, but it doesn’t wallow in it either. We do not grieve as those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). We lean toward the Lord who gives us strength. God “gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength” (Isaiah 40:29). When you lean into the Lord, you can rejoice in Him always in spite of circumstances.

Choosing to rejoice will bless you and those around you. It will also strengthen your relationship with the Lord.

If you like the Gaithers…watch this video of “Joy Unspeakable”