December 28 Thought for the day...laugh, dance, sing

Our faith is a battle, a struggle, and war; however, often we forget it is also filled with love, joy, and peace! God gave us the ability to laugh and rejoice, and I think we don't spend enough time doing that. James challenges that in our lives as we continue to look at James 5:13.

"Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms."

The word James uses for "cheerful" come from the combination of the root of our English word euphoria and the concept of a swelling and growing passion or emotion. It is the idea of something happening that brings great joy; you want to explode with a joy that you just can not contain.

James is telling us because of our walk with Christ, we should have these types of feelings. As Christians, we need to celebrate each other, what God has done and is doing, and simply that fact that we are blessed with a deep relationship with Him! We don't do that enough. Take time to think about all the ways you are blessed and begin to be thankful and celebrate all of God's handy work in your life.

James tells us just how to do that, "sing psalms!" The idea James is giving us is different than you may think. The word interpreted "psalms" literally means to pluck an instrument, but the implication is to do something that expresses great joy; to dance, to sing, to shout at the top of your lungs, to laugh so hard you cry. James wants us to let the joy and gratitude we feel for the Lord at that moment out and to celebrate God's goodness toward us.

It is great to do it with people around, but remember even if you are alone; you are never alone God is with you if you are overjoyed about something. Thrilled about what God has done for you, even if you are alone, celebrate with God. Sometimes I find it actually easier to express my joy alone with Him, shouting dancing, singing, high-fiving God. It is fun to celebrate and to especially celebrate how good God has been to us!