Cheer UP!

Are you among the 55 – 60% of people who already feel as if they have given up on their resolutions for this year?  Well I have great news for you.  First of all you don’t have to go into severe depression over this.  Let me tell you the greatest simple discovery I have made this year.  The word Eucharist.   When we hear the word Eucharist, we think of the “Lord’s Supper” or “The Breaking of the Bread.” Both are true, but the word Eucharist is derived from the Greek word, Eucharistia which simply means “Giving of Thanks.“ It is a frame of mind of gratitude.

Jesus at the ‘Last Supper’ demonstrated to the disciples Eucharisteo, as he gave thanks.  Luke 22.17-19 tells us that, Jesus took the cup and gave thanks (Eucharisteo).  He then took the bread and gave thanks (Eucharisteo).  “This is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me”

Lets take a look at some of the root words for Eucharisitia.  In this word is Charis, which means God Grace  There are many passages in the New Testament that speak of this word charis as God’s grace, the unmerited operation of God in the heart of man, affected through the agency of the Holy Spirit.

Now look closely once more. The Greek word, Chara means JOY.  Need some of that?  Chara also means to Rejoice, make glad and make merry, to put in a good frame of mind.  “I could use some of that.”

As you look at these three beautiful derivative meanings in the Greek of the word Eucharist we begin to not only appreciate Holy Communion but truly begin to understand how thanksgiving and thankfulness is the door to God’s Grace.  This brings us Great Joy.

Now we have His Grace, charis we give Eucharisteo, (Give thanks, ) and we will have charis, a reason to rejoice.  So simply, try to take the time to smell the roses and see the wonderful things He has given us by His grace and we truly can rejoice.

The words of Nehemiah 8:10 now ring true “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength”.  What about Ephesians 5:20, Give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

As Jesus told many on the highways and by-ways, “be of good cheer.” That is probably the last thing they wanted to hear.  However that is what he was telling us on His last days on earth, My Grace is sufficient so, Eucharisteo (Give Thanks) and the Joy will come because it is Jesus who brings the Joy.

Eucharisteo!!  It will make you CHEER UP!

Exercise: Write out those things you are grateful for in your life and GIVE THANKS!  Now wait for His Grace of JOY.  If you are one for accountability you can write to me and list those things you are grateful for.  I will post and this will bring JOY to others.

If this has helped you to see joy over a sadness in your heart please write and let me know.  Many of my clients work on Eucharsteo (giving thanks).  I promise it will lower your stress and bring you to a greater knowledge of your Father in Heaven