This morning I am about to board a plane to head to Asheville, North Carolina.  I get to do a wedding for two people that I love very much.  I love weddings and all of the celebration involved in the whole event.  Sometimes I think that we don’t quite celebrate God the way that we should.  One of the things that strikes me as I read through Psalms is the celebration of God and His works.  Let’s look together today at Psalm 81 which is meant to be a celebration of God. 

Sing for joy to God our strength;
    shout aloud to the God of Jacob!

Begin the music, strike the timbrel,
    play the melodious harp and lyre.

Sound the ram’s horn at the New Moon,
    and when the moon is full, on the day of our festival;

this is a decree for Israel,
    an ordinance of the God of Jacob.

When God went out against Egypt,
    he established it as a statute for Joseph.

I heard an unknown voice say:

“I removed the burden from their shoulders;
    their hands were set free from the basket.

In your distress you called and I rescued you,
    I answered you out of a thundercloud;
    I tested you at the waters of Meribah.

Hear me, my people, and I will warn you—
    if you would only listen to me, Israel

You shall have no foreign god among you;
    you shall not worship any god other than me.

I am the Lord your God,
    who brought you up out of Egypt.
Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.

Celebrating God was actually a decree or law.  I’m not saying that should be the case for us but for Israel it was so significant that they made it a law.  Celebrating a wedding truly is a wonderful event.  I am excited to be a part of this weekend.  The next time you enjoy a celebration take a moment to pause and think about celebrating all the things that God has done for you and in your life. 

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave