Celebrate What God Has Done in Your Life

by Rick Warren — January 1, 2022
From Transformed

“Sing to God, sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him . . . his name is the LORD."

Psalm 68:4 (ESV)

To get back in a right relationship with God, you first have to get fed up with the way you live, then own up to your sin, and then give up control of your life to God. Finally, you celebrate what God has done in your life.

In Jesus’ story of the prodigal son, it’s important to notice the father’s response: “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him . . . The father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate’” (Luke 15:20, 22-23 NIV).

The prodigal’s father is like your heavenly Father. No matter what you’ve done, when you come home to God, he wraps you in his love. He gives you his best and says, “All is forgiven! Go get the robe. Go get the shoes. Let’s have a feast! My child has returned to me.”

You come home to celebration, not condemnation. And God wants you to join him in celebration by giving him your praise.

You can celebrate your spiritual transformation by simply saying, “Thank you, God. Thank you for your grace, love, and goodness. I lift up my praise to you!”

The Bible says in Psalm 68:4, “Sing to God, sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him . . . his name is the Lord” (ESV).

One of the easiest ways to celebrate your own transformation is by singing at church. Worship songs give you a chance to celebrate what God has done in your life and thank him.

“But I’m not a singer!” you might say. I have good news: The Bible doesn’t say to make your singing sound pretty. It says to make your singing joyful. You can do that! Anybody can make a joyful noise.

Sing your praise to God—not just for who he is but also for the spiritual transformation he’s made in your life. Commit to celebrating God’s unconditional love and grace throughout the new year. He welcomes you home with open arms.

Talk It Over

  • How does your experience with your earthly father affect your expectations of God when you mess up?
  • Does it surprise you to know that God celebrates when you return to him, no matter what you’ve done or how far away you’ve been?
  • What keeps you from expressing your praise to God through singing?

Have you trusted God’s promise of salvation through Jesus Christ?

If you’re ready to commit your life to Jesus, then pray this prayer:

“Dear Jesus, you have promised that if I believe in you, everything I’ve ever done wrong will be forgiven, I will learn the purpose of my life, and you will accept me into your eternal home in heaven one day.

“I confess my sin, and I receive you into my life as my Lord and Savior. You have promised that if I confess my sin and trust you, I will be saved. I trust you when you say salvation comes by grace, through faith, and not by anything I do. Today I’m turning over every part of my life to your management.

“I’m grateful for your unconditional love. I want to use the rest of my life to love and serve you instead of serving myself. I commit my life to you and ask you to save me and accept me into your family. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

If you just prayed to accept Jesus, please email me at [email protected] and let me know. I’d like to send you some free materials to help you start your journey with Jesus.


Give hope, prayer, and encouragement below. Post a comment & talk about it.