Storms Part II: When It’s Time to Celebrate, CELEBRATE!

I imagine I have two groups of people in my audience: those who are currently in a storm and those who have come out of a storm. This message is to both of you. If you are in a storm, this message is to let you know there is a way out and a day that things will turn around. The first example to come to mind for me is the house fire I spoke of yesterday. I lost everything and had no renters’ insurance, so I had no idea how I was going to replace the things that I lost. But God! God opened doors, moved on the hearts of people, and all plus more was restored. Question: should I have been happy? Absolutely!!! I’m sharing this because there are people who will want you to quiet your praise, but here’s the problem with that. When you were in your storm, were those same people encouraging you? Maybe they were, so then they should understand your praise and your celebration. This is a cliché I’m hearing more and more, and it is probably true. “People don’t mind you being happy as long as you aren’t happier than them.” My God, what kind of people are we surrounded with?!! Yes, my friends, I have learned this to be true. If people ask me how I’m doing, and I say the happiest I’ve ever been they look at me strangely. But those same people weren’t asking me how I was doing last year when I was waist deep in anxiety and depression. My point is this. If you are in a storm or have come out, then by all means dance, shout, praise, and celebrate at the end of it. I spent 11 months in not just a storm but in hell, and thankfully I have spent the past three months living in the joy of the Lord. I will not let my face dimmer the shine that only God can give, and I pray you won’t either.