Celebration

Is the Christian life dull and boring? Many in the world have this impression. But the Bible presents a different picture of what it means to be a child of God.

In fact, the Bible is filled with glorious celebrations! We see this after the children of Israel escaped Egypt. And there is great celebration in the above passage describing the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem after it had been captured by the Philistines. Finally, the book of Revelation describes Heaven as being filled with joyous celebration.

As we’ve seen in recent days, the beginning of a new year provides an excuse for many in the world to engage in revelry. But a Believer has other reasons to celebrate. Our sins have been forgiven. We serve the living God, who knows the future, and has declared “the end from the beginning” (Isaiah 46:10).

God wants us to be so confident and fulfilled that we can sing for joy (Psalm 5:11). Like David, we can express our faith with “shouts of joy.” And we can “sing praises to the LORD” (Psalm 27:6). We even can “praise His name with dancing” and “sing praises to Him with timbrel and lyre” (Psalm 149:3).

Today, think about all God has done for you. Don’t be afraid to express the joy He has brought into your life. Thank Him for His blessings and faithfulness. Think about how He has forgiven your sins, and remember the prayers He has answered and the victories He has given you. Praise Him in advance for answering your prayers in the new year.

Don’t just be an observer. Celebrate! And let your heart be filled with joy.