My first collegiate softball practice was nearly complete. I was exhausted from the fast pace of practice and the pressure to make a good first impression. Just when I thought practice was over, coach called us together for one final drill.  He explained the drill, “we need to get three final outs, then we celebrate! “Since our goal is to win a National Championship…we need to practice celebrating our future victory!”

This was literally the best part of practice. There was no pressure to be perfect or prove my ability. All I needed to do was throw my glove down, and have fun celebrating.  Not only celebrate what has already happened, but celebrate what is to come!

Could you imagine living a life expecting to win? A life where we celebrate the future victories God has in store for us? Paul encourages the church of Philippi to not be worried or anxious for anything, but instead rejoice and pray with thanksgiving! Paul teaches how a focus on thanksgiving and rejoicing leads to peace.

God loves when we celebrate.  He loves when we trust and place our hope in Him to win on our behalf. He loves when we our celebration for future victories, lead to peace and rest.  Just like the best part of practice was the celebration; the best parts of our lives can be when we practice (or create a habit) to celebrate and thank God before He acts!