This is the first post in a series on Spiritual Disciplines. I recommend reading / listening to the post Stop Trying Start Training: Sermon Notes first.

“Joy is the serious business of heaven.” - C.S. Lewis

“the joy of the Lord is your strength.” - Nehemiah 8:10

“Celebration is central to all the spiritual disciplines.” - Richard Foster

“The Christian should be an Alleluia from head to foot!” - Augustine

Joy Gives Us Strength

Joy gives us strength. Think about it, it is because of joy that we endure the tough times. Without the possibility of joy, we are likely to give up on the task at hand. Joy pushes us through, it keeps us going.

This is true for our discipleship to Jesus, as we read in Nehemiah 8:10, the “joy of the Lord is our strength.” If our life with Christ lack joy, then we are likely going to give up the idea of following Him and we are going to have a hard time training in His ways.

Practicing Celebration

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:4-7

Paul tells us here to “Rejoice in the Lord! Rejoice!” But, for some of us this doesn’t come naturally. That’s ok though, because Paul goes on to give us some more direction that will help us in our rejoicing. He says, starting in verse 6, “Do not be anxious about anything”. To be anxious about nothing means that we are placing our trust in God. It is extremely difficult to rejoice and celebrate when we are plagued with worry.

He goes on to say, “but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” This is how we learn to trust God. We bring everything to Him in prayer with thanksgiving. And when we do this Paul says “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” It is important that we know that God cares about every detail of our life (see Matthew 6:25-34). And when we bring Him our cares with an attitude of thanksgiving, we will begin to experience that peace of not being anxious about things.

Paul isn’t finished with us though. He goes on to say in verse 8, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Have you ever met someone that despite going through a tough time in life, they determine to see the good in things and their life is better for it? That is what Paul is getting at here. He tells us , after saying to not be anxious of life but thankfully present everything to God, to focus on the good things that God has made and done. In doing these things, we allow joy to come into our life.

So, how do we actually practice celebration? We delight ourselves in God and in the “excellent and praiseworthy” things that He has done and created. We can sing, dance, and shout for joy (Psalm 150)! We can throw a party that celebrates something great that God has done. We can laugh and enjoy clean humor. We can be creative and simply enjoy life - paint, draw, cook, etc and take joy in it. We can celebrate the seasons of life such as birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays with a new found joy and outlook. Be creative and have fun!

Three Keys:

1. What makes it more than a hollow “celebration that celebrates nothing” is that it is a response to God greatness. We celebrate while reflecting on the wonderful God who has given us such wonderful gifts.
2. Authentic joy only comes from obedience. (Luke 11:27-28) Without obedience joy is hollow and artificial.
3. Obedience has to work itself into the fabric of our daily lives. “God’s normal means of bringing his joy is by redeeming and sanctifying the ordinary junctures of human life.” Celebration comes when our everyday lives are redeemed!

The discipline of Celebration is central to all of the disciplines. In it we allow God to fill us with His joy as we celebrate what He is doing in our lives and in the lives of those around us. And as we are filled with the fruit of joy, we are filled with strength to continue moving forward. So, I encourage you, make the practice of celebration a regular part of your life. Do as the Psalmist says and “delight in the Lord”.

Questions to Consider

1. What is the current level of joy in your life?

2. What brings you joy? What causes you to really celebrate?

3. What are some things in your life that you could celebrate?

4. What is at least one creative way that you can practice celebration? (try to think out of the box)

5. How have you seen joy give you strength?

6. Why is important that we as Christians have joy?

Please feel welcome to share your thoughts, comments, or questions in the comments section (click comment).

Recommended Reading:

Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth

The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life (Christian Library)

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