Celebrate Christ – A Loving Christ Devotional
Proverbs 20:5: May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests. (NIV)
“Here are the two best prayers I know: ‘Help me, help me, help me’ and ‘Thank you, thank you, thank you.” -Anne Lamott
In our culture, we make a point of celebrating important events (birthdays, wedding anniversaries, and retirement after a decades long career), accomplishments (graduation from high school or college, landing a new job, or getting a promotion), and family occasions (engagements, bridal showers, weddings, baby showers, and house warmings). In a sense, these celebrations all mark a victory – large or small. We celebrate success, dreams coming to fruition, and accomplishments. Some of the most joyful celebrations are victories – we congratulate an athlete or team who wins a championship and we mark mile stones with plaques.
Now take the celebration of life accomplishments and consider the Lord’s victory in our lives is exponentially greater.
When we celebrate Christ and put our faith in Him, He carries us through all of life’s joys and heartbreaks. He is there to answer our prayers – the late night tears about a lost loved one, the request for courage before a job interview, and asking for wisdom about an important decision. When we invite Him into our lives, the Holy Spirit becomes part of the workings of our lives – inside and out.
So, when we see the hand of the Lord, we can do what the Psalmist says: “…Shout for joy over your victory…” We have the privilege of knowing that God is always with us. We can know deep down that everything happening in our lives is orchestrated by a loving God. A way to bring our lives in focus with God is to bring His hand in our lives into focus with praise, worship, and gratitude. Stop and say, “Thank-you, Lord!” The Lord gives us the privilege of talking with Him and, by doing so, our hearts are brought in line with His.
Having an “Attitude of Gratitude” is an exceptional way to open lines of communication with God.
You see, the Lord wants to have communication with Him throughout our daily lives. Remember to say, “Thank-you” each day. Say, “Thank-you” that you were able to feel the sun on your face this morning and that your family is healthy. Gratitude about small things will build your confidence in God, so when things get rough, you will be equipped to see God’s hand when circumstances get different.
In our contemporary world, banners are used to announce the location of shops or special sales events. We see billboards along the hallway that communicate large amounts of information in a glimpse. In Biblical times, banners had a very different purpose. Banners would show soldiers where their general was leading them. It was a declaration to the world that they were a strong fighting force. They were fighting for their king.
How can we “lift up our banner”?
By sharing the great things God is doing in our lives with those around us. It doesn’t have to be a formal testimony. We can share our joys over a cup of coffee with a friend, in a social media post, or during dinner with our families.
Celebrate Christ and the blessings and joys He brings to our everyday life with gratitude and joy!
Today’s Prayer: Dear Lord, Help me. Thank you. Amen
Need some more encouragement? Try these posts:
7 Daily Fears We Face and God’s Answers to Them
Are you Tired of Feeling Guilty, Too?
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