Rejoice & Thrive

As we’ve looked at rejoicing through trials and suffering this week, and how that is possible only through being connected to and full of Jesus and His Spirit, looking through faith with hope at what is before us, we come now to Paul’s words “Rejoice always.”

Paul is closing his letter to the church of the Thessalonians, with some closing exhortations and blessings.

I love that the word he uses here, χαίρω—Chairo, is a salutation, a greeting. It’s translated as godspeed, be well, rejoice, thrive. Aren’t Hebrew greetings so much more meaningful than Hello or Hi? Shalom—Peace, or Chairo—Rejoice. I especially like the translation of Chairo as Thrive! Such a beautiful blessing given when greeting one another, coming—or leaving, as Paul is using it at the end of his letter here.

God desires for us to trust Him, always through everything! To pray through it all. To give Him thanks through it all. To Rejoice in Him through everything. To Thrive! He makes all things beautiful in His time. He works all things for good for those who love Him and are called for His purpose. We are more than Conquerors in Jesus. He wants us to Thrive!

For my many readers who are survivors of DV, overt or hidden abuse, and trauma, that is Good News! For those of you who aren’t, you have had your own trials in life. This is for you, too. There is no distinction. We all go through various hard things and trials in life. Some nearly destroy us. He is enough for all of them. For all of us.

This passage is Day 13 in our Exploring Joy #faithjournaljuly2025 study. The next page in my Faith Art Journal was a blank white page with a pink grid. I wanted to keep its clean and simple look through my art here, as the previous page is pretty busy.

I decoupaged a portion of a pink floral napkin down the left side, and included a second portion, backed with cardstock on the lower right corner, as a pocket for my verse card. The only other background I added was small paint splatters in pink and lavender. I die cut small butterflies from a richly layered mixed media background scrap from my stash, that has colors that go with the florals. I used Aged Mahogany and Kitchen Flamingo Distress Oxide Inks to color the mixed media cardstock I cut Rejoice from, with Tim Holtz alpha dies. I made a key word card for χαίρω too, (not shown,) as I love the rich blessing of this word.

χαίρω—Thrive always—in Jesus, my friends!

Are you enjoying these Faith + Art posts? Next month you have the opportunity to dig much deeper—both in the Word and in Art details as we journey through Psalm 23.

Registration for my new online course He Restores My Soul—a healing journey through Psalm 23 will be opening soon! But please let me know your interest now, as I make final plans!

• No art skills or talent needed!
• Only a love for God and desire to grow in your knowledge and understanding of Him, His Word, and your relationship with Him.
• A willingness to experiment in creativity as you express your worship, prayers, and heart to him.
• An openness to Him healing and transforming your soul and renewing your mind, through these Study and Faith Art processes.

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Living Coram Deo & freely whole
SDG!
~ Liberty—Life Restoration & Soul Transforming Creativity Coach

Empowering you to live a life that is Freely Whole—spirit, soul, and body—in Jesus! 

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