Spiritual Practices: Celebration

The discipline of celebration is all about Joy! The Christian life ought to be about celebration -- laughing together, smiling with others, and celebrating all God has done and continues to do. Celebration is a discipline we all need to incorporate into our lives -- not just on special occassions but day-to-day. Celebration reminds us of what has happened, gives us reason to praise God, and connects us with the fullness of life with have through Christ.

Scripture reference: Read in your Bible or access Philippians 4:4-7 at Bible Gateway

Scripture reference: Read in your Bible or access 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 at Bible Gateway

In "The Spirit of the Disciplines," Dallas Willard writes, "We engage in celebration when we enjoy ourselves, our life, our world, in conjunction with our faith and confidence in God's greatness, beauty, and goodness. We concentrate on our life and world as God's work and as God's gift to us." Try engaging in celebration in that way -- consider what you're doing as God's work, and consider everything around you as God's gift.

We can practice the discipline of celebration even when we're going through hard times, grieving, suffering loss, or facing trials. At times like that, we can remember what Jesus told his disciples about tough times -- "In this world you will have troubles, but rejoice, I have overcome the world."

Celebration when feeling despair or failure: Thinking about what is pure, noble

Philipians 4:8 says "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." When you're full of despair or feelings of failure, stop for a moment think of 3 things that are good, and celebrate them. Make this a habit each morning, and see how it impacts your life.

Celebration when feeling stuck in a rut: Deliberate day of joy

Sometimes, we have to deliberately set aside time to celebrate -- maybe we plan to get together with friends, maybe we plan time away from our daily stresses. This exercise is just about designating a day when you're going to specifically look for things to be joyful about and do things that give you joy.

Access resource: Day of Joy exercise

See related Way of Christ category pages: Worship

See related Way of Christ category pages: Community