It's the holiday season - a season of laughter, family, and friends, a season filled with joy and celebration.
For most.
I say for most, because for the first time, I and my family are experiencing the heart-rending and unexpected loss of a loved one. This year, there will be an empty space at the table for Thanksgiving. This year, there will be one less gathered around the tree at Christmas. This year, while our grief is still raw, our hearts will hurt and the joyful celebrations will sting a little.
If you have been through this devastating loss, then you know that this first year, the celebrations seem to lose a bit of their luster. The joy and sparkle of the holidays are just...dimmed.
As I prepared to write this article, I felt incredibly heavy. My heart cried out, "God, how can I write about gratitude when I don't feel grateful?".
The whisper was gentle; the verse softly filtered through my mind:
"Rejoice evermore." 1 Thessalonians 5:16
I pondered this verse and realized God was trying in His gentle way to help me see something beyond the face value of this scripture.
In Biblical times, this word "rejoice" was often used as a salutation. Instead of saying "hello", individuals would gather with this greeting of joy. Instead of a simple greeting, we can take this word "rejoice" as a call to action - a choosing instead of a feeling. The same word "rejoice" is found in another favorite passage of mine:
"Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice." Philippians 4:4
The apostle Paul is so adamant about the Philippians rejoicing that he admonishes them twice to rejoice. He further encourages them to be anxious for nothing, pray about everything with thanksgiving, and think on the things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report.
The effect of these verses is contained in verses seven and nine:
"The peace of God....shall keep your hearts and minds.." and "..the God of peace shall be with you."
So, for those of you going through the trial of your life today and during this holiday season, remember this:
Your rejoicing and prayer with thanksgiving brings the peace of God. His peace will keep your hearts and minds in Him. You may not feel like rejoicing; you might not feel much delight or happiness. But "rejoice" is a call to action - a choice. And when we make the choice to rejoice in Him, He sends His peace.
And when we choose to "think" (count on, focus on, esteem greater than the negative) on the good things, He doesn't just send His peace. The very "God of peace" abides with you, giving comfort, joy, and strength.
When God is with you, He will help you find the gratitude in the grief. Trust Him.
Photo courtesy of Gabrielle Henderson via Unsplash
