And Again I Say Rejoice

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4 NIV

I heard this verse read at a devotion and it caught my attention. Why did Paul say it again? Did he ever say that expression of “I say again” in another letter? How do we live out the command to Rejoice in the Lord?

I thought it was important to do some further research. Like the song Dig a Little Deeper –

Well, dig a little deeper in the well, boys
Dig a little deeper in the well
If you want a good, cool drink of water
You better dig a little deeper in the well

I found a 3 things that I am happy to have found while digging a little deeper

1. It’s a greeting or farewell. Chairo (Rejoice) is used at the beginning and a farewell expression. With Paul’s theme of joy throughout the book of Philippians, it is fitting that he ends his letter encouraging them to rejoice as a farewell. This would be a similar expression as May God be with you.
2. Repetition in greek literature was a method of highlighting something as really important. Today we use exclamation characters or bold text. This would be Paul’s way of adding 3 exclamation points or using all caps.
3. Grace, joy and rejoice are all connected. Rejoice takes on a fuller meaning when looking at its cognates and the root.  Xar (char) is the root, meaning, “favorably disposed, leaning towards”. From Helps Word studies -S. Zodhiates (Dict, 1467) likewise comments that 5479 /xará (“joy”) and 5485 /xáris (“grace”) are cognate with 5463 /xaírō (“to rejoice”), i.e. all share the same root and therefore the same core (fundamental) meaning. To rejoice is to find, experience, joy of God’s grace over you.

• Sorry I lost you with all of the greek.  Here is the deal. Rejoice is connected to both joy and grace. We are to lean into (experience) the happiness or joy of God’s grace toward us.

Let’s put it all together and see how we can benefit from the command to Rejoice in the Lord.

• You can use it as a greeting or a farewell statement. I.e. Rejoice in the Lord is saying may you walk in the joy of God’s favor and grace.
• You can use it as a prayer to encourage yourself. I.e. Lord, help me to rejoice in you always…may you reveal all of the wonderful ways that I am experiencing Your grace and mercy – even when this day is so hard. May your joy sustain me when I don’t have the emotional capacity to make it through the hard times.
• You can use it for worship as many have interpreted it. I.e. Turn your eyes, thoughts and words heavenward to celebrate God’s kindness, wisdom, majesty, or His goodness. Sing and declare the worthiness of our heavenly Father.

For some of the old timers, you will remember the chorus.

Rejoice in the Lord, always and again I say rejoice
Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice
Rejoice, Rejoice and again I say rejoice
Rejoice, Rejoice and again I say rejoice

Blessings  Love y’all

Rejoice in the Lord always.