Celebration!

Even in the times we are in right now, where life seems to be making sharp right turn after sharp right turn and we feel like we are facing crises after crises, there is celebration. Between the situations and circumstances of life, we find the moments, seconds, and microseconds where we feel happy, notice

beauty, or receive a hug and feel safe. There is celebration all around us, in flowers that are blooming, birds that are singing, and life that is beginning. Celebrate God’s life in the moments.

Isaac of Stella is quoted with these words:

“May the Son of God who is already formed in you grow in you so that for you he will become immeasurable, and that in you he will become laughter, exultation, the fullness of joy which no one can take from you”.

Celebrate life. Celebration is a way of engaging in actions that direct our spirits towards worship, praise, and thanksgiving. Celebration is to take joyful, passionate pleasure in God. It is pursuing those things that bring the heart deep gladness before the Lord. How is it that we celebrate? Some may share a meal with friends, or find joy in laughing until you cry with that special friend or family member over something neither of you can remember in the end. It may be listening to music, walking in nature, dancing, singing, serving or for some who love what they do, working. Celebrating is ongoing. It is an attitude choice, a perspective shift, and a mindset shuffle.

Not all of us are experiencing life with a smile at the moment, yet it doesn’t have to stop us from celebrating what we do have, what we can do, and more importantly, what God can do, is going to do and has already done. Paul understood this. In the book of Acts, we read that even in prison, Paul and Silas found something to sing about. The Psalms are another example of celebration. Pick a psalm of David, and you will find the sadness, the fear, the downcast spirit, then the gratitude and the celebration.

Choose how you will view life today. Choose to celebrate life’s moments of celebration. Take time to smile, to laugh, to take pleasure in something silly, funny, cute, romantic, and downright ridiculous. Celebrate the people around you, by caring for them, showing them how much they matter and how you enjoy having them in your life. Celebrate your saved life in Jesus. Intentionally spend time with Him and listen, connect, and appreciate Him. Worship Him with others, or on your own. Celebrate Him as He celebrates you today.

“The Lord your God is with you,

He is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you,

He will quiet you with His love.

He will rejoice over you with singing”

For Discussion:

How is it that you celebrate? God dwells in you, loves you more than you can ever imagine and celebrates you. How do you celebrate Him?

Even though life may seem more uphill than down, what can you identify that you can celebrate today? How is what you celebrate enhanced or hindered by your ability to remember the past, live in the moment, or anticipate the future?

Do you know someone who really celebrates life and God? What attracts you to them?

Do you find it hard to celebrate life? How would this change for you if you intentionally celebrated life and God today?

Lastly:

You have made known to me the path of life

You will fill me with joy in your presence,

With eternal pleasures at your right hand”.

Psalm 16:11