Celebrate the Lord

In this heartfelt devotional, look back on life’s milestones—not as random moments, but as powerful testimonies of God’s faithfulness. Inspired by Joshua 4, where stones were stacked as a memorial to God’s miraculous provision, the message encourages us to establish “stones of remembrance” in our own lives. Whether it's an anniversary, birthday, or a moment of personal breakthrough, every celebration becomes a spiritual marker of what God has done.

Highlights:

• Biblical Encouragement: Reflects on Joshua 4:7 and how God called His people to remember His faithfulness.

• Personal Application: Through a 25th wedding anniversary celebration, we’re reminded to use joyful occasions as public testimony of God’s goodness.

• Spiritual Challenge: Encourages believers to boldly celebrate God’s faithfulness, not just in quiet reflection, but in community celebration and witness.

• Cultural Connection: Highlights how even in modern Christian living, we can reclaim the practice of pausing to praise.

“Jesus’ ministry revolved around celebration. He even turned water into wine at a wedding!”

Join the Conversation:
What are the “stones of remembrance” in your life? How have you seen God's faithfulness over the years?
Share your story with us by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #CelebrateGodsFaithfulness.

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Full Transcript Below:

Celebrate the Lord

“These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.” Joshua 4:7

As the DJ played our wedding song, we marched into the banquet hall to the sounds of our friends and family erupting in applause. After celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary in June, we decided to throw a party to celebrate all that God had done through that time. After we entered the room, I grabbed the microphone from the DJ. I thanked everyone for coming and told them how blessed we are to have such wonderful friends and family who took time out of their busy schedule to celebrate with us. I then said to them that at the bottom of their favor box, they would find a small stone. 

The theme of the party was around Joshua 4, where the Israelites stacked twelve stones together at the place where the Lord had done something significant for their people: “Go over before the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever,” Joshua 4:5-7.

I ended by telling them that this was a celebration of all that God had done in and through us over the past twenty-five years. We wanted to use the party as a stone of remembrance for everyone in attendance. I wanted them not only to rejoice with us and all that God had done through us, but I also wanted to rejoice with them and what God had been doing through them. As I spoke with many of our guests, they shared stories of the things God has been doing over the past twenty-five years. 

We all go through periods of great trial and grief. The church is a beacon of light that can be a source of comfort and hope to those who are truly grieving. However, the local church does not always celebrate the milestones and memories of the significant things God has done that deserve celebration. After all, Jesus' ministry revolved around celebration. He even turned water into wine at wedding feasts! 

Jesus wants us to celebrate all the things that God does in and through us. He wants to use it as a testimony to who God is and how God works amid difficult circumstances. Our wedding is a testimony to God's faithfulness. As we chose to be obedient and could feel fulfilled in our commitment to our wedding vows, God was faithful and provided for us in every way during our marriage. Many people shared our triumph, commenting that it was a beautiful tribute to the Lord and a testament to what God had done. Above all, it was an example of love and faithfulness not only to one another but also to the Lord. 

God deserves all our praise, honor, and glory. Even in times of celebration, such as a birthday party or wedding, we can attribute all our triumphs to the Lord. We can hold feasts and festivals in his honor. In all these things, God is glorified. 

As you look back on your life, are there things to which you can testify to God's goodness? Are there ways in which you can celebrate his faithfulness to you in your life? God deserves all our praise and honor at every moment of our lives, including those of great joy and triumph.

The next time you have a birthday party or a special celebration in your family, be sure to attribute it to the Lord. Give your testimony of how God has been faithful to you throughout your life or in your marriage, and you will find that it will be an example to those who have doubts or do not believe. One of the most incredible testimonies we can ever give is to God's faithfulness amid a trial, and that is enough reason to celebrate.

Father, let us be people who celebrate often. Let us remember who you are and how you have loved us amid great trials and difficult circumstances. Let us celebrate you, whether it's through your testimony, party, or celebration. Amen. 

Intersecting Faith and Life

What special events or milestones can you celebrate in your life? What is one thing you can do to celebrate? 

Further Reading

Psalm 118:24

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