Celebrate and Dance Like David

Have you ever lamented, "If only I could have this one thing, I would be happy”? Countless commercials play on this illusion by promising joy and happiness. Christians are duped into believing these claims, even while knowing that happiness and real joy are not found in things but in believing God’s love abounds in us.

We all have known those people who appear to have unlimited and abounding joy regardless of their circumstances – circumstances that could easily plunge others into despair. So what's their secret? These people look at each day as a reason to celebrate because it's a gift from God. Joy is replenished as it is shared with others.

 

David was known as a man after God's own heart. He was far from perfect and failed to live up to God’s expectations but would sincerely repent of his sins and return to a life that honored God. When you do your best to live according to God’s expectations, your joy will continually be renewed, and that’s reason to celebrate. 

_____________________

Shout with joy before the Lord, O earth! Obey him gladly; come before him, singing with joy.

~Psalm 100:1-2 The Living Bible

Join Hands and Celebrate God's Good Gifts

Throughout history mankind has devised ways to celebrate life. Douglas Jerrold, the British playwright, humorously said of the English people, “If an earthquake were to swallow up our property tomorrow, my people would meet and dine somewhere in the rubbish to celebrate the event.” God is especially honored when we celebrate his intervention in our lives.

When I was in the military, I attended a church whose mission was to provide a home for young men and women serving their country. At the close of our Bible study, we would join hands and celebrate by singing, “Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love. The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.”

Jesus in Matthew 5:12 commands us to “rejoice and be glad” even in difficult, hard times. You can do this seemingly impossible task by staying focused on the Lord God, who gives more than life itself. “For my God shall supply your every need according to the riches of his glory by Christ Jesus.”  

__________________

Tell the heavens and the earth to celebrate and sing;

command every mountain to join in the song.

The Lord’s people have suffered,

but he has shown mercy and given them comfort.

~Isaiah 49:13 Contemporary English Version

Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times.

~Romans 12:12 Good News Bible