Throughout history there are tales of extraordinary individuals who were moved by remarkable experiences and Moses is one of them. Propelled by his encounter with God through the burning bush, he pushes forward with the task God had given him. This reluctant hero led the people of Israel out of slavery and towards the promised land. In Exodus 14, we witness the redemption of the Israelites as they pass through the parted Red Sea while the Egyptians meet their demise. This moved Moses’ heart, causing him to compose a song of praise in Exodus 15, celebrating the wondrous deeds of God. Reflecting on Moses’ journey prompts us to explore our own sources of rejoicing and gratitude in life.

Finding Reasons to Rejoice

In contemplating Moses’ story, we are compelled to ask ourselves, “What moves us to rejoice?” Do we take the time to look back on the incredible things that God has done for us and allow ourselves to be uplifted by those memories? It is crucial not to overlook even the smallest blessings or the grandest miracles that have unfolded in our lives.

During challenging times when it may be difficult to identify reasons for joy, we can turn to the Bible for inspiration, and to remind ourselves of some of the amazing things that God has done. The scriptures provide us with a rich tapestry of encouraging Psalms, such as Psalm 139, which reveals the depth of God’s love for us. By immersing ourselves in these verses, we allow their profound meaning to penetrate our hearts and kindle a sense of rejoicing within us. In moments of darkness, instead of succumbing to worry, we can fix our gaze upon the light that shines through even the bleakest circumstances.

Creating Space for Celebration

In our fast-paced lives, it is easy to overlook the importance of carving out space for celebration. Yet, this intentional act of rejoicing holds transformative power. Whether it is through pausing to reflect on our blessings, sharing moments of gratitude with loved ones, or simply acknowledging the goodness in our lives, we grant ourselves the opportunity to embrace joy.

Take time to celebrate the good stuff. These moments may range from small daily victories to life-altering events. By acknowledging and cherishing these instances, we cultivate a spirit of appreciation and allow joy to permeate our being. Rejoicing not only uplifts our spirits but also provides strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

Conclusion

Moses’ journey of leading the Israelites out of slavery serves as a reminder of the profound impact that miraculous experiences can have on our lives. Through his story, we are encouraged to reflect on our own sources of rejoicing and gratitude. Whether we find inspiration in the remarkable deeds God has performed in our lives or seek solace and encouragement in the scriptures, we are reminded to cherish and celebrate the good. Let us create space for rejoicing, allowing joy to guide us through the darkest of times and infuse our lives with meaning, purpose, and a profound sense of gratitude.

This is the second installment of Pete’s teaching from our May 2023 retreat – tune in next week for the conclusion of this series. We have such a great time on our retreat weekends, if you haven’t seen our latest video you can watch it below.

Also, we still have some spaces left for our September and November Retreats – come and join us!