A Reason to Celebrate

A Reason to Celebrate
REFOCUS, RENEWAL, AND CELEBRATION
Terry R. Baughman

“Our hearts bubble over as we celebrate the fame of your marvelous beauty, bringing bliss to our hearts. We shout with ecstatic joy over your breakthrough for us. You’re kind and tenderhearted to those who don’t deserve it and very patient with people who fail you. Your love is like a flooding river overflowing its banks with kindness” (Psalm 145:7–8 TPT).

We have a reason to rejoice and a cause for celebration. When we recount the wonderful works of God that He has done from the beginning, and what He continues to do in our lives it brings joy to our hearts. God’s desire is that we may have joy present in our relationship with Him.

Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). While others boast of jubilant gatherings, festive parties, and loud celebrations, they often are left empty and sick the following day. Jesus revealed the truth of the contrast in the same verse, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10). 

It’s the deception of the enemy that promises good times, happiness, and exuberant excess, but the path does not lead to the promised outcome. Peter wrote, “While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption” (2 Peter 2:19). The broad road is a detour and ends with a drop-off of destruction. “For the end of those things is death,” Paul warned. (Romans 6:21). The deception is deliberate and the enemy is out to ensnare all who will respond. The pattern is clear, “When desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death” (James 1:15).

The joy that Jesus brings is in sharp contrast to the dirge of sin and the disappointments of deception. The prophets predicted the that coming Savior would not disappoint and His deliverance was declared, “Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation” (Isaiah 12:3). David sang, “And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord; It shall rejoice in His salvation” (Psalm 35:9).

 From millennia past to the present time witnesses proclaim the glory of God. “Generation after generation will declare more of your greatness and declare more of your glory. Your magnificent splendor and the miracles of your majesty are my constant meditation. Your awe-inspiring acts of power have everyone talking! I’m telling people everywhere about your excellent greatness!” (Psalm 145:4–6 The Passion Translation). David continues to extol the glory of our God. Other translations of the passage say that we will “eagerly utter” our testament of His goodness, this version captures the literal understanding of the text, “Our hearts bubble over as we celebrate the fame of your marvelous beauty, bringing bliss to our hearts. We shout with ecstatic joy over your breakthrough for us” (Psalm 145:7 TPT). Our joy is as a fountain springing up with a fresh overflow of jubilation. God is glorious and worthy of celebration. 

Jesus confirmed the imagery of a fountain when He spoke to the woman at the well. To those who asked for His refreshing, He promised, “The water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14 NIV). There is an everlasting supply of fresh water in the well of salvation. 

Come and drink! All will find a reason to celebrate!
​
Scripture:
“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

​

---