REJOICE!
Chad Sloan
Today’s Scripture: “Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” Psalm 100:2, ESV
Theme: At The Cove Church, we celebrate God’s Presence in our lives!
MISSION STATEMENT ON TRIAL
Many years ago, when I was on staff at The Cove Church, I had the opportunity to sit in the room with people much smarter than myself as a consultant walked us through clarifying our Vision, Mission, and Values as a church. During those weeks together, the consultant suggested we evaluate our Mission Statement. He encouraged us to consider making it shorter, simpler, and easier to communicate and remember.
For hours, days, and eventually weeks, we discussed it. We considered removing parts of it or even starting over completely. I even remember conversations about dropping the phrase: “Celebrate His Presence in our Lives.” But after all the discussions, the group ultimately decided that the Mission Statement was too deeply woven into who we are as a church. Every part mattered because every part reflected the heart of The Cove. We kept it as it was, without adding or removing a word.
ANCHORING OURSELVES IN JOY
Rejoicing in the Lord and finding joy in Him is a major theme throughout Scripture. Celebrating God’s Presence in our lives does exactly that—it anchors us in Christ. Rejoicing in the Lord is not based on whether life is easy or difficult. It is a choice we make to focus our hearts on Him regardless of our circumstances. The Apostle Paul wrote these words to the church in Philippi while he was imprisoned, most likely in Rome: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4, ESV). Paul showed us that the joy of the Lord is not rooted in comfort or convenience. It is rooted in Christ Himself.
CELEBRATING AT CHURCH
At The Cove Church, we incorporate celebrating God’s Presence into everything we do. Our weekend worship services and Worship Nights are opportunities to celebrate Him together. Communion is a celebration of Jesus’ sacrifice that gives us salvation. Baptisms are celebrations of God transforming lives and drawing people to Himself. Even Movies At The Cove each summer is more than just a fun event. It is an opportunity to celebrate God’s goodness, enjoy community, and introduce our friends to Jesus. Celebration is not just something we do occasionally—it is part of who we are.
Make It Personal: What does it look like for you to personally celebrate God’s Presence in your life? Maybe it’s singing worship music out loud during your morning commute or on a family road trip. Maybe it’s remembering answered prayers and reminding your family of the ways God has been faithful through every season. Maybe it’s celebrating academic, personal, or spiritual milestones and intentionally giving God the glory for each one. When we intentionally celebrate God’s Presence, we train our hearts to recognize His goodness everywhere, no matter our circumstances.
Pray: Lord, regardless of my circumstances, I choose to celebrate You in my life. Thank You for salvation, for saving me and my loved ones. Thank You for Your Presence through Your Spirit who is always with me. Help me to continually give thanks and remember the great things You have done in and through my life. Continue to use me to further Your Kingdom, starting in my home and reaching outward to others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: Philippians 4:4-7; Nehemiah 8:10; Psalm 32:11; Habakkuk 3:18-19
Weekly Memory Verse: “And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:37-39, ESV