You know something I think many of us aren’t good at as Christians? Celebrating.
I think we’re pretty good at beating ourselves up, and judging others, comparing with others, and rationalizing stuff, but enjoying small wins where we see God at work bringing about change in our lives? Not so much.
I feel guilty and self-conscious noting accomplishments. Pride goes before a fall and all that. (Proverbs 16:18)
But the Bible talks about celebrations, festivals, and feasts. They are meant to generate thanksgiving, mindfulness, and praise of the Lord. The difference between patting ourselves on the back and what God describes in His Word is the orientation. Here are just a few examples.
Celebrate God. Sing together—everyone! All you honest hearts, raise the roof! Psalm 32:11
“This will be a memorial day for you; you will celebrate it as a festival to God down through the generations.” Exodus 12:14
Dress your priests up in salvation clothes, let your holy people celebrate goodness. 2 Chronicles6:41
Hezekiah and the congregation celebrated: God had established a firm foundation for the lives of the people—and so quickly! 2 Chronicles 29:36
Is my celebration all about me, Me, ME, or am I acknowledging God’s gracious work in my life?
It’s June. We’re halfway through 2018. Most of us who chose One Word have been at least vaguely aware of it. I’ve posted a kick in the pants at the beginning of each month to try to help us cooperate with the work God may want to do in our lives around the word we chose. But this month, let’s celebrate! What is at least one small win you can thank God for?
Post a “win” in the comments. If you receive this through email all you need to do is click on the title. It will take you to the post and you just scroll down to leave a comment. If you haven’t commented before, it won’t show up immediately, but don’t worry, it will eventually!
I’ll go first. My word is “fruit” as in the “fruit of the spirit”. Specifically I’m challenged with the patience and perseverance required to finish scary, challenging, long-term tasks. Reminding myself that it is the all-powerful spirit of God in me that enables this, instead of my own grit alone, helps. It also helps to remember my “why”. One of my small wins was persevering through technical challenges and finishing my first freebie (You can click here to get it.) with automated follow up welcome emails. The reason this is important is because I want to get life-giving resources into your hands and to build relationships – to reassure you this is a safe, and nurturing place to connect with Jesus and others.
Ok, your turn! What win can you celebrate?
My word this year is “silence”. The event I choose to celebrate is keeping silent when what I wanted most to do was “fix” a family member. In my silence I prayed that resolution would be provided, and it was.
YAYYYYY!! I love this “win” AND that you shared with all of us! Thanks so much Nila! Praying for you now.
Every day I celebrate Gods goodness for the life He has given me! And for the amazing celebration of my 90 years given by my wonderful family— all my children, 15 great grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren, precious sister , brother in law and nephew.
God has blesses me so richly and still has more for me to do to His glory!
Oh, my precious amazing auntie! You inspire me with your faithfulness and incredible attitude, continuing to serve and glorify God!
Makes me think of Psalm 92:14: “They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green…”
My word is “trust”. I need to trust in God as I make major life changes this year. (retirement? age in place? downsize? )Others have high expectations that I will accomplish these tasks. I’m scared.
I have started intentionally listening for kind words expressed and/or witnessed wherever I am focus on remembering thes caring interactions between strangers and friends. So often, it is easier to focus on the anger and hatred expressed around us. These ordinary moments serve to remind me that God is at work all around us.
I can relate, Liz. So good that you’re keeping your eyes open for glimpses of God’s goodness and faithfulness!
My word is actually three – ‘more and more’ and I’m celebrating recognizing God more and more in every aspect of my life right now. The more and more scriptures I’m anchored on speak of more faith and more love and I’m recognizing that these actually come when I
have more God. Maybe not surprisingly I am doing less – worry, guilt, busy, etc. – and gaining more of God. Grateful,
So glad to hear, Opal! Press on!