CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES COME ON!

Everyone loves a party especially if it’s given in their honor. Balloons, special decorations, savory foods and of course desserts galore! Lots of people, dancing, music, games and an all-around good time had by all. When you throw these types of parties, the intention is quite clear: we’re there to celebrate the guest of honor. Party goers are united in that objective hoping to make the honored guest feel as special and valued as we believe they ought to feel. We sing to them, laugh with them and lavish them with gifts, surprises and well-wishes. We publicly pay homage to the mark they’ve left on our lives and in our hearts. We are there to actively participate in a public display of open adoration.

Which leads me to ask the question: when was the last time you celebrated the goodness and faithfulness of God in your life?

Do you tend to meet God’s faithfulness or provision in your life with a “less manna more meat” kind of attitude? Do you tend to regard the supernatural occurrences in your life with the same enthusiasm and excitement that you feel when you get your teeth pulled?

When you go above and beyond the call of duty to secure the best and finest gift you can muster and you present it to the object of your adoration, you’re naturally hoping for some form of gratitude in return. You’re not looking for feigned interest or forced appreciation. You’re hoping for a warm reception or at the very least, acknowledgment for your thoughtfulness. Instead, you’re greeted with contempt, ridicule and emotional despondence. Yet you’re still expected to dole out more gifts? It’s time for a change.

And for the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, they sought the Levites in all their places to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with thanksgivings, and with singing, cymbals, harps and lyres. – Nehemiah 12:27 Not only does Nehemiah dedicate the completion of his task to the Lord, he gathers all the people—near and far—so that they could collectively celebrate the goodness of God. The bible tells us that where two or more are gathered in God’s midst on one accord, He will show up. Now that’s what I call an invitation.

The point is the people of Israel, upon receiving the fullness of God’s promises to them, purposed to celebrate God’s faithfulness and goodness. They purposed to celebrate the Almighty Father with good tidings, joy, music, dancing and of course all the party trimmings. The people recognized that even though God didn’t completely remove every obstacle from their path, He triumphantly navigated their temporary journey through the valley.

Similar to celebration gatherings like those of the Asatru, the children of Israel lavished the Father with prayers, praise and thanksgiving. As believers, we should plan to set aside time to celebrate God’s goodness in our lives. We should celebrate His goodness often and earnestly.

 

©2010-2013 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved