By: Pastor Jarren Rogers

“Desire not to live but to praise his name; let all your thoughts, words, and works tend to His glory.” – John Wesley

What was your favorite celebration? Maybe it was a birthday or a wedding shower. Maybe it was when you found out you were going to have a baby or when you graduated from high school.

We, as humans, love celebrations – the food, the fellowship, the laughs, the good times. Everyone loves a good celebration. But sometimes I feel like we don’t celebrate enough.

In the Old Testament, the People of God celebrated a lot! Every time God did something great, when their prayers were answered, when they encountered God’s power, a celebration occurred. They feasted, they laughed, and they celebrated the goodness of God.

Look at this verse from Nehemiah. The walls of Jerusalem had finally been rebuilt. It had been a difficult and trying experience, but God had proved faithful and the People of God were restored. So, what did the people do?

“Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’

“The Levites calmed all the people, saying, ‘Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve.’

“Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them” (Nehemiah 8:10-12).

When was the last time you celebrated the goodness of your Lord? I believe that when God answers prayer, that’s a cause for celebration. When God sheds His blessing upon you, it’s cause for a feast. Celebrations are beloved by humans, but celebrations for the glory of God are beloved by God.

The next time that God answers your prayer, take your family out to eat and offer up praises to God the whole meal. Explain to them how God has been good to your family. The next time that God answers your prayer, buy your favorite meal and watch your favorite movie, giving God thanks for His faithfulness. The next time God answers your prayer, spend an evening reading your favorite book or participating in your hobby, and give God all the glory.

Even if God hasn’t answered your prayer yet, I encourage you to begin finding ways to celebrate God’s goodness. Whether it’s laughing and celebrating with friends or drinking a cup of coffee next to the fire, celebrate God’s goodness and faithfulness because He deserves all of the glory, the honor, and the praise.

Parents: Find a way to celebrate God’s goodness every time He answers your prayer.