Bixby Church of Christ

Celebration

CELEBRATION A Christian should not permit circumstances to affect their relationship with God, but rather he should allow his relationship with God to affect his circumstances. Paul wrote to the Philippians to rejoice always. How is that possible in the midst of difficult times? How could that happen after a week like this one? Surely God doesn’t want me to rejoice when things go wrong. There are going to be “rainy days”, that’s not a time to rejoice is it? Celebration doesn’t come in the moments of carefree living. Rejoicing doesn’t happen after a non-event. The greatest joy, the loudest cheers, the most profound celebrations take place after a triumph. It’s not the games that are blowouts that cause the crowd to cry, but rather the battle throughout every inning, every quarter, right up until the last second. Our world continues to blind us to the joys we share through the triumph of Christ. Often we hear that true spiritual joy comes from a struggle-free lifestyle. If there are never any ups or downs, God is not bringing change, growth and restoration. David wrote in Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd. He leads me through dark valleys and along gentle streams.” So, why could we celebrate in the dark valleys? Because He is leading us. It’s been said, “It doesn’t matter the opulence of your palace, we all live in a tent; content or discontent.” Do you choose to walk with the Lord, celebrating his gentle and easy yoke (Matthew 11:28-30)? Or do you find yourself anxious, afraid, worn out and unable to celebrate the little things? Paul said he learned the secret, have you? (Philippians 4:11-13)