In the Old Testament the Israelites were commanded to celebrate – What is the spiritual point of celebration? Israelites experienced many hardships, like us, and needed to set aside time to remember and enjoy the goodness of God. Doing things to fill them with joy reminded them that God was the giver of every good and perfect gift. Celebration draws us closer to God. Celebration trains us for joy – it teaches us to find delight where we would not have noticed it before.
Activities
- Eat foods you love or listen to your favorite music. Savor every moment and thank God for his wonderful goodness.
- Surround yourself with the natural beauty of this world and reflect on the God who has given you such wonderful gifts.
- Spend time today with some “joy-producing” people. Prize them. Thank them.
- Instead of ‘resting’ in front of the TV or computer, nurture a conversation with family or friends, think new thoughts, sleep more, read more.
- Identify the place you most readily connect with God: Nature? Listening to Christian music? At worship? Solitude? Go to that place and tell God about the joy you receive there.
- Consider how God loves you. Read Zephaniah 3:17. The be still and listen. How is God celebrating you? Intentionally ask for the gift of appreciating yourself the way God does.