For those of you unfamiliar with Project Search Light (PSL), it is a week long conference/party where those of us who completed the World Race can get together to enjoy community and explore what the next season of our lives might hold. It is a space where we can relax, seek God, and explore some different options to answer the big question most World Racers have to answer at some point, “What are you going to do next?”
I was one of the first people on my squad to maliciously downplay the importance of Project Search Light (PSL). I rejected the idea that I would get anything out of PSL and by doing so I also rejected the idea that God could use PSL in my life. Fortunately God showed me His goodness by not only getting me to attend PSL but also reveling to me part of it’s importance.
As the Israelites made their way to the promised land, God took a lot of time to show them how He wanted them to live their lives. Knowing that we humans have hearts that are easily distracted, He centered their society around Him. If you read through Leviticus, God paints a beautiful picture of a society with laws, customs, and life that is focused on His righteousness and bringing Him glory. His Tabernacle was specifically put in the center of the camp. Everything in their lives was centered around God and who He is, including celebration.
In Leviticus 23, God establishes and invites Israel into seven celebrations with Him. As I read this chapter, I can’t help but see the excitement of our Heavenly Father as He invites us to celebrate with Him. Like the father from the the prodigal son, Luke 15:11, I see God running to greet us with joy, peace, and excitement as He ushers us into a celebratory feast of the amazing things He has done in and through our lives. Celebration isn’t focused on our achievements, it is focused on bring God glory for His.
PSL is that celebration. On the last night of PSL, The Derringers (a sweet band) came and preformed for us. At first, I wasn’t feeling the music and was trying to find a ride back to my hotel but for some reason I got on my knees and prayed. I started to thank God for the wondrous things He had accomplished in me and my friends and through us over the last year. As I knelt there, a joy began to grow inside of me. I stood up and started walking to different people as the Holy Spirit lead and prayed with them in celebration of what God did in our lives. Before I knew it the joy was overflowing and I was dancing before the LORD in celebration!
God desires that we, His sons and daughters, His nation of Priests, celebrate with Him in remembrance of what He does and who He is. It is a place where our hearts can be joyous, our voices can praise Him, and our bodies can dance for His glory. God wants His children to remember who it was that rescued them from slavery, who made them a nation of priests, and who shows us His steadfast love moment by moment. He wants us to celebrate that it is He who is God, the One, LORD of lords, KING of kings, the Great I AM!
I would encourage all future World Racers to attend PSL. But even if you don’t or you are reading this and not even a World Racer, take time to celebrate with your Heavenly Father and the community He has placed you in. Celebrating with your community, family, and with God is critical to ensuring we don’t forget who our center is.
Questions to Consider:
1) When was the last time you had a celebration where God was the center?
2) As you examine how you spend your time, money, energy, and what you allow to influence you, what or who is your center?
