‘Let’s celebrate’ sounds like a pretty weird title for this season of isolation we are living in, but why not kick up our heels a little? Just because we’ve all been restricted for so long doesn’t mean we have forgotten how to celebrate.
Over social media of late, I have seen many lonely celebrations, but celebrations none-the-less. I imagine once this is over, society will have a lot to catch up on and restaurant businesses will be booming with belated wedding celebrations, 21sts, anniversaries, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and the list goes on. Within my own, and extended, family will be catching up on a university graduation, 21st, 40th and 70th birthdays and a 25th wedding anniversary, just to name a few. It will be a great time of reunion with each other which I am very much looking forward to!
A land of milk and honey
Reading through Deuteronomy lately, I am taken with how much God wants us to recognise and celebrate the good things He has done for us. The Israelites had spent 40 years in the wilderness while God tested them, humbled them and checked their hearts to make sure they would keep His commands and that their hearts were towards Him, before lavishing them with much reward and goodness.
They had finally made it! The hardships they travelled through along the way were about to come to an end (for a time). After many lessons about loving the Lord God with all their hearts, minds and souls, here they were at the precipice of the promised land, ready to take and enjoy what had been promised to them for so long—a land flowing with milk and honey.
In Deuteronomy chapter 12 verse 7, God says to the Israelites in regards to bringing their first-fruits to the Lord, “And there you shall eat before the LORD your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your households, in all that you undertake, in which the LORD your God has blessed you.”
Harvest Festival
When I was growing up in the Salvation Army, we used to celebrate ‘Harvest Festival’ once a year. I remember, as a very little girl living in the country town of Kingaroy, the seemingly massive pumpkins and produce brought into the church hall to decorate it for this special occasion—an occasion to thank God for His provision for us.
Reflecting upon that now, it’s such a lovely idea and one that I think I’d like to pick up again for my family. We have recently been discussing ideas of how that might look for us. You see, it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of work and forget to celebrate the wins along the way, more than just saying “yay! That was good,” then moving right along to the next task.
Acknowledge where it came from
Our ‘wins’ only happen because God has given us each the ability and giftings to work in our designated areas and produce ‘fruit’ so-to-say. Deuteronomy chapter 8 verses 17-18 makes it clear:
“Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.’”
Remembering where all good things come from is key to having a good and peaceful life. Thanking God for all His goodness is so very biblical and vital to our wellbeing.
So, whether we are in isolation or in times of strength, prosperity, and good health, let us always find something to be grateful for. For there is always something to be grateful for—we just need to look.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians chapter 4 verse 4)