By: Sarah Geringer
If your life is like mine, the pace is so hectic that it's easy to forget to celebrate. So much is on the to-do list that celebrating often takes a back seat.
Yet God is the author of celebration. I love my One Year Bible because it helps me read through the whole Bible every year. In the Old Testament book of Leviticus, God commanded the people to celebrate with various festivals. I love that God mandated celebration, because He probably knows we'd forget to do it if we aren't reminded, as with every other act of obedience, right?
In the Year of Jubilee, the Israelites celebrated seven cycles of setting the Sabbath rest aside. The jubilee happened every 50 years. Families returned home. Debts were canceled. Freedom and peace were celebrated in abundance.
The word jubilee is linked to the word jubilant. What ideas come to mind when you think of the word jubilant? Here's my list:
- Joy
- Glee
- Happiness
- Dance
- Praise
Even though we don't celebrate a jubilee in our culture today, we can stop and celebrate because God wants us to be jubilant. He wants us to feel free to dance, jump and shout in praise. He wants to give us freedom from what burdens us, and allow us to enjoy one day in pure celebration.
Think back over the past few months. Has anything happened that deserves celebration? I'm not talking about anything earth-shaking. I'm talking about little things that need to be noticed and appreciated.
In my life, those little things look like this:
- Exercising more often
- Eating more salads
- Conquering the clutter one day at a time
- Having faith-based conversations with my children
I have bigger things to celebrate too. But I'm not going to take space up here describing those to you. Consider what is worth celebrating in your life. Then plan to celebrate it with a praise and worship session, and maybe a planned celebration with others.
If you are experiencing hardships, I understand how hard it can be to celebrate. No matter what you're experiencing, you can always celebrate who God is and what He is doing in your life. You can throw a private party to celebrate God's goodness.
Praise God for being there for you always. Praise Him for being sovereign over this season of your life. Praise Him for guiding you, teaching you, and providing for you. He is always worth our celebration.
Blessings and God's peace to you,
Sarah Geringer
Finding Peace in God's Word
Photo by Ylanite Koppens from Pexels
Note: A version of this post originally appeared on this website on March 23, 2018.
I was just thinking of celebration this morning as we recently had a little party to celebrate my grandson's finishing second grade. We also celebrate Pi Day and new jobs, promotions, or apartments, as well as the major holidays. I'm so glad God built celebration into the calendar. We can glorify Him by being joyful in thanksgiving for what He has brought into our lives.
ReplyDeletePi Day is a fun celebration!
DeleteYes so important to praise God and to celebrate as God calls us to celebrate. I am so thankful for everything God is doing in my life. Even some of the hard things because He is maturing me. I am celebrating our new garden eating fresh basil everyday! Celebrating walks I am taking and reading wonderful books!
ReplyDeleteLove seeing photos of your garden, Deborah!
DeleteThis is a key truth in an overcoming life, "We can always celebrate who God is and what He is doing in our life."
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa!
DeleteSuch a good reminder, Sarah! I needed this today.
ReplyDeletePraying blessings on you now, Tammy!
DeleteIt is amazing how many celebrations we can find in Scripture. Such a good reminder for us today. As we take time to celebrate who our God is each day, He lightens our load and fills us with His joy and peace. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm so glad God lightens our loads!
DeleteAmen! Good points :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Val!
DeleteThank you for this much-needed encouragement today Sara. Blessings.
ReplyDelete