Do you naturally love to celebrate accomplishments or do you simply rush to tackle the next objective on your list of things to do? I must admit that I am not good at celebration. My natural mindset wonders, “Why waste time celebrating when you could be moving on to accomplishing something even greater?” Here is the reason why I am learning to celebrate: When I celebrate I actually gain momentum and inspiration to tackle the next objective with greater tenacity.

It is important that you celebrate what God is doing in your life. It is just as important that you examine and be certain that you celebrate what God celebrates so that you are inspired to continue the direction that He desires. What you celebrate determines the direction of your life.

What are some things that are really worth celebrating?

• Celebrate when one person turns to Jesus.

Luke 15:7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
Every time you witness someone coming to faith in Christ it should inspire you to collaborate with the celebration of heaven.

• Celebrate when you are rejected or persecuted for sharing your faith.

Acts 5:41 The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.
No one enjoys the feeling of being rejected or ridiculed for his or her faith. However, we must understand that if people rejected Jesus then they will most certainly reject us. The moment you are rejected for following His lead in your life is a time to rejoice. Rejoice that in the moment you know you are obeying the word of God. God is just as pleased with our obedience as he is with our success.

• Celebrate God’s faithfulness to you.

Psalm 37:25 I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.
Celebrate the fact that when you trust your life to God you can be assured that He will take care of you. Your faith in Christ is producing generational influences and blessings that will outlive your life.

• Celebrate the hope we have in the future.

1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.

No matter the pain of this life, you can always celebrate that there is a place and a time coming when all of your toil and your sorrow will be over. Overcome the immediate struggles by celebrating your eternal hope in Jesus.

Today’s Challenge: These four reasons to celebrate are just a few of many things we have to celebrate through Jesus. Take time today and give God praise for these things. Begin to ponder on the other things that God has done for you and in you and celebrate those as well. Finally, celebrate that you have confidence that as you continue to follow Jesus you will continue to discover more experiences to celebrate.