The word cheers often accompanies moments of celebration—a toast with friends, a milestone reached, or a joyful occasion shared. It’s a word that carries connotations of goodwill, happiness, and shared gratitude. In essence, saying cheers is an acknowledgment of something good and a declaration of appreciation or hope for continued blessings.

As believers, we have every reason to celebrate and acknowledge the blessings of God in our lives. The Bible is filled with reminders of God’s goodness, faithfulness, and provision. From the Old Testament to the New, we see God’s people pausing to recognize His hand in their lives, often through acts of worship, thanksgiving, and even physical markers of remembrance.

Recognizing God’s Blessings

The Bible tells us that every good and perfect gift comes from God:

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17, NIV).

God is the source of all blessings—whether it’s provision, health, relationships, or spiritual growth. As we reflect on these blessings, it’s important to acknowledge them, celebrate them, and share them with others.

In the Old Testament, God’s people often built altars as a way of commemorating His blessings or miraculous acts. For instance:

• Abraham’s Altar at Bethel: After God called Abraham and promised to bless him, he built an altar to the Lord: “There he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord” (Genesis 12:8, NIV).

• Joshua’s Stones of Remembrance: When the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land, God instructed Joshua to set up twelve stones as a memorial of His faithfulness: “These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever” (Joshua 4:7, NIV).

These physical markers served as a visual reminder of God’s faithfulness and a way to share His works with future generations.

Celebrating God’s Blessings Today

While we may not build physical altars in the wilderness, there are many ways we can celebrate and acknowledge God’s blessings in our lives:

1. Sharing Testimonies

Sharing what God has done in your life is one of the most powerful ways to celebrate His blessings. The Bible encourages us to declare His works:

“Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe” (Psalm 107:2, NIV).

Whether in a small group, a church setting, or a conversation with a friend, sharing your testimony not only glorifies God but also strengthens the faith of others.

2. Journaling and Reflecting

Writing down the ways God has blessed you can serve as a personal “altar of remembrance.” When you look back at these entries, you’ll see a pattern of God’s faithfulness over time. The psalmist often reflected on God’s blessings and works:

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago” (Psalm 77:11, NIV).

3. Hosting Celebrations

Invite friends or family to a dinner or gathering where you intentionally acknowledge God’s blessings. This could be a thanksgiving meal, a milestone celebration, or even a casual time of fellowship where you share what God has done in your lives.

In Nehemiah’s time, the people celebrated God’s goodness with joy:

“Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10, NIV).

4. Serving Others

One of the best ways to celebrate God’s blessings is to bless others. Whether through acts of service, giving to those in need, or simply offering encouragement, we reflect God’s love when we share His blessings.

“Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:8b, NIV).

5. Worship and Praise

Corporate or personal worship is a beautiful way to celebrate God’s blessings. Sing songs of thanksgiving, pray prayers of gratitude, and lift your heart to Him in acknowledgment of His goodness.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1, NIV).

Building Modern-Day Altars

Building an altar in the wilderness might not be practical today, but we can create modern-day markers to commemorate God’s work in our lives:

• Prayer Walls or Boards: Dedicate a space in your home to display answered prayers, scripture verses, or moments of God’s faithfulness.

• Photographs or Keepsakes: Use physical items—such as a photo, a memento, or even a journal entry—to remind you of a specific blessing or answered prayer.

• Annual Traditions: Create a yearly tradition where you and your family reflect on and celebrate God’s blessings from the past year.

These modern “altars” serve the same purpose as the stones in Joshua’s time—they help us remember and share God’s faithfulness.

Why Acknowledge God’s Blessings?

Acknowledging God’s blessings is an act of gratitude and faith. It shifts our focus from our circumstances to God’s goodness, reminding us of His provision and love. The Bible repeatedly calls us to give thanks:

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV).

Sharing God’s blessings also encourages others. When we tell of His faithfulness, we inspire faith in those around us. As David wrote:

“I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together” (Psalm 34:1-3, NIV).

Cheers to God’s Faithfulness

As we raise our proverbial glass and say cheers to God’s blessings, let’s do so with hearts full of gratitude and joy. Remember, God delights in our celebrations when they are rooted in Him. He has done great things, and we are called to share and rejoice in His works.

“Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 106:1, NIV).

So, as you navigate this year, take time to reflect on the blessings God has poured into your life. Celebrate them with friends, share them with others, and mark them in a way that reminds you of His faithfulness. Say cheers to God, who is always good, always faithful, and always worthy of our praise.