Today, I will accomplish the goal of writing my last blog for the year, 2012.
In the Bible, there are many accounts of celebrating accomplishments. The one that first comes to mind took place in the life of King David. After David had defeated the Philistines, he organized his troops to bring the ark of the covenant home to Israel. The ark housed the tablets of the law and served as a symbol of the presence of the living God. It had been missing from its rightful place for seventy years, having been taken by the Philistines.
David was determined it would once again be in the center of the kingdom of God's people, so after the victory he brought the ark home.
So David went down and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing. When those who were carrying the ark of the Lord had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. David... danced before the Lord with all his might, while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets.
David was commemorating the victory! The goal had been accomplished and it was time to celebrate, to dance, to shout, to blow trumpets. There was a sacrifice made, which was characteristic for David's day.
Today, we offer the sacrifice of praise to God. We thank him for what he does by praising his name and telling others of the glory of his greatness. That's all part of the celebration process, so to speak. All of our accomplishments are made possible by the grace and provision of God. There is no better way to praise him than to "dance before him" with all our might. It's as though joy flowed out of King David's pores. He couldn't contain himself. Nor should we! Celebrations for accomplishments are definitely in order.
Oh, the joy of accomplishment! Aim for a goal and stick to it. And when you reach that goal, the natural result is to celebrate. We like to finish things don't we? And to absolutely know we've finished, there's nothing like beating the drums,... throwing the confetti and commemorating the victory.
Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas!
