In This TogetherSample

 Together in Celebration 

Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! —Psalm 150:6a (NLT)

What was the last celebration you attended? 

Maybe it was a surprise party for a friend or family member. Perhaps it was a fun dinner, a wedding ceremony or a celebration at work. You probably remember the joyous moments that accompanied the celebration—laughter, dancing, smiling and applause. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t love a good party.

But as a spiritual discipline, celebration is usually one of the first to be forgotten. In the midst of a busy culture, how often do we find time to celebrate—with each other—what God is doing in our lives? 

God is the giver of good things (Matt. 7:11). He made the oceans we swim in and the mountains we climb. He made the people we have relationships with and the ones we have yet to meet. 

Celebration teaches us to rejoice with God and others. It allows us fresh perspective on the blessings God has given us, and the ways He’s working in the lives of the people we love and people we don’t even know. Practicing this spiritual discipline can even help our hearts when trials and difficulties come.

God loves our joy and celebration—especially when we’re celebrating Him and the things He’s doing around the world! Ultimately,  togetherness in celebration means that we rejoice in God—together.

Points to Ponder:

• What was the last thing you celebrated with someone? 
• What can practicing a discipline of celebration teach us about Jesus? 
• How can you incorporate celebration into your life this week?