Happy Anniversary!

Today is my day to remember and celebrate and remember 27 years since I stood at the altar and said “I do” to my love and best friend. In previous years David and I have spent time watching the wedding video and remembering that day. Some years we have gone on a vacation, just the two of us, to celebrate alone together. For our 25^th Anniversary we renewed our vows in a ceremony before witnesses. Every year we have spent remembering the past and dreaming about the future. We cherish this time together.

Scripture speaks of setting up places and times for remembering and celebrating significant events. Annual remembrances were often given as commands. Moses commanded the Israelites to celebrate the time they lived temporary shelters during their years in the desert. “For seven days you shall keep a solemn Feast to the Lord your God in the place which the Lord chooses; because the Lord your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the works of your hands, so that you will be altogether joyful.” (Deuteronomy 16:15 AMP) This, known as the annual Feast of Tabernacles, is still celebrated today.  Other celebrations of remembrance began voluntarily so future generations would know of the greatness of God.  Purim, the celebration of the deliverance of God through the obedience of Esther, is an example of this. “Therefore they called these days Purim, after the name Pur [lot]. Therefore, because of all that was in this letter and what they had faced in this matter and what had happened to them, The Jews ordained and took it upon themselves and their descendants and all who joined them that without fail every year they would keep these two days at the appointed time and as it was written, That these days should be remembered (imprinted on their minds) and kept throughout every generation in every family, province, and city, and that these days of Purim should never cease from among the Jews, nor the commemoration of them cease among their descendants.” (Esther 9:26-28 AMP) Celebrations like these both remember the past and bring hope to for the future.

 Another example of remembrance established in the Old Testament was the building of altars and monuments. Jacob set up several. When he left his father-in-law, Laban, they built a monument to commemorate their trust in God. “So come now, let us make a covenant or league, you and I, and let it be for a witness between you and me. So Jacob set up a stone for a pillar or monument...And [the pillar or monument was called] Mizpah [watchpost], for he [Laban] said, May the Lord watch between you and me when we are absent and hidden one from another.” (Genesis 31:44-45, 49 AMP) After his successful meeting with Esau, Jacob set an altar to the Lord who protected him. “And God said to Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there. And make there an altar to God Who appeared to you [in a distinct manifestation] when you fled from the presence of Esau your brother.” (Genesis 35:1 AMP) These special places not only remind us of greatness but also inspire hope. 

We celebrate the anniversary of important events in our lives. Do we consider celebrating the things that God has done for us? Do we celebrate the anniversary of our receiving the salvation that Jesus has provided? Do we regularly contemplate times in our lives when God’s hand of protection or provision were obviously witnessed? Do we plan celebrations for these events? 

Remembrance of God’s mighty deeds from the past inspire thanks and praise. This remembrance also elicits a greater desire to spend time in God’s presence. We are able to spend time considering all that has already been done for us. This brings confidence that God will continue to provide for and deliver us. With this confidence we are free to dream of what our future will bring as we continue to walk with God. 

Just like the wedding is merely the beginning of married life, many things that God has done for us are the beginnings of what He has planned for our lives. We should celebrate these beginnings and remember all that has transpired since. With confidence we dream of the future. “And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.” (Philippians 1:6 AMP)  

Today I will spend time with my husband reminiscing, rejoicing and looking ahead. Likewise we also need to plan times for the celebrations with our Lord. 

Remember and celebrate the mighty things God has done for you. Spend time with Him rejoicing over the past and expectantly planning the future together.