Live by Sadie Robertson is an easy and captivating read. I am so glad that I finally picked it back up (I've been reading it since March 30th and it is now May 11th). I am always left blown away by Sadie's words. While I was reading one night, I came across some verses and topics that stuck out to me. She talks about how God reassures us of His promises in His Word although it may not be what we planned, it is far better than anything we could plan for our lives. Next, she touched on the fact that she and her friends picked a word to focus on for twelve months, and everyone questioned her for picking celebrate as her word. Even she doubted her choice when times were tough during those twelve months, but through it, all she learned how the word, celebrate, connects to the Bible.
LIV / verb remain alive, be alive at a specific time, have an exciting or fulfilling life.
Promises His Word Gives Us (pg. 109)
We all go through a season of waiting at some point or another or for a lifetime, but thankfully we have God's Promises to look to during this time. This section hit me hard because I struggle with waiting on God's perfect timing because I like to be in control. But, with God, we can let go of that need to control and just follow His guidance that He says throughout His Word. To me, that point was so reassuring. Knowing that everything will work out even though it may not be on my time or my wants, actually eased my worries concerning my future. Why? Because I am not alone in the waiting - many are going through it - we all have God with us, as well.
Sadie shared a story about a guy in a coffee shop who was struggling in the waiting. He was upset that he felt as if he was robbed of going to the college he wanted and the job he desired for himself. He questioned God and if He was listening and seeing that he was doing His good work. Like anyone, it was hard for Sadie to reveal the same things the young guy had kept hearing as he became more and more frustrated about his situation, but she was honest with him.
Sadie said this to the guy, "This is going to be hard to hear, but the school you wanted and the job you want were never promises of God. There are a lot of promises from God you can hang on to, but the job and school aren't included."
Along with that story she gives just a few of God's Promises:
In Isaiah 40:29, He reminds us that He gives strength to the weary and strengthens the powerless. How amazing is that? He promises us that when we are down and we feeling powerless, that He will build us back up. Even if it is block by block, He will be there.
In Deuteronomy 31:8, He promises us that He will always go before us, stand beside us, and never leave nor forsake us. As long as He is with us, He urges us not to be afraid or discouraged. Like I said before, God is always with us. We can rest easy knowing that He is never leaving us. He will never turn His back on us. Our problems are never too big for Him.
In Psalms 34:10, He promises us that if we seek Him we will not lack any good thing. Meaning that we will not lack food or go hungry as long as we seek His kingdom. This verse reminds me of the "Do Not Worry" Passage in Luke 12:22-34, where He promises that we don't have to worry about our clothes, food, or tomorrow because He is taking care of everything.
In John 10:10, He promises us that He hasn't come to steal, to kill, or to destroy us, but to give life and give it in abundance. Meaning, He is not like this world. He is not cruel or evil. He is kind and giving. He is the God who restores life in us.
I believe these promises tie into her next point and how we should celebrate life more, even in bad times. Let's dig into what celebrate means and the key verse Sadie put along with it.
Celebrate (pg. 128)
When we think of celebrating, we instantly think it is just an earthly word. Which is kind of how Sadie's friends viewed her choice because their words were more spiritual, whereas she picked celebrate. We can all relate because this word doesn't get taught a lot in the Bible or at least to my knowledge. In my version, Holoman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB), instead of saying celebrate it says to rejoice. Yes, that is the same thing. But, had she picked rejoice, people might have connected it more to the Bible. Maybe? Not sure, but it depends on how you understand the verse.
Celebrate / verb 1. acknowledge (a significant or happy day or event) with a social gathering or enjoyable activity. 2. perform (a religious ceremony) publicly and duly.
Let's look at my version first, Holoman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB), where the Bible tells us to rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! - The Bible puts an emphasis on rejoicing. Why? We are supposed to be glad when we are seeking the Lord and are with Him because He makes us glad and wants us to rejoice. He makes us want to rejoice even when we are down because He gave us another day.
Next let's dig into Sadie's version, The Message (MSG), where the Bible tells us to celebrate God all day, every day. I mean revel in Him! - Meaning that we are to always celebrate Him no matter the circumstances we are facing in our daily lives.
This reminds me of Ren McCormack's monologue from Footloose where He is addressing the town council about the no dancing law and refers to a few Bible verses about David dancing and more. At the end of that monologue, the pivotal point of his speech he says this: "See, this is our time to dance. It is our way of celebrating life."
Here's how the Bible tells us to celebrate life through dancing:
Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise in the assembly of His faithful people. Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King. Let them praise His name with dancing. - Psalms 149:1-3
David replied to Michal, “I was dancing before the Lord who chose me over your father and his whole family to appoint me ruler over the Lord’s people Israel. I will celebrate before the Lord, and I will humble myself even more and humiliate myself. I will be honored by the slave girls you spoke about.” And Saul’s daughter Michal had no child to the day of her death. - 2 Samuel 6:21-23
There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven:... a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to tear down and a time to build; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance... - Ecclesiastes 3:1,3-4
No matter what trial you are facing in life: celebrate! We only get one life on this earth so why not enjoy it fully? If anything, dive into His Word and read about His Promises and how you can celebrate this life He has given you. Never give up hope that there is something worth celebrating in your life and that His Promises are good.
I want to leave you with this food for thought as you (hopefully) go on to read this book:
Are you truly living or are you going through the motions? Are you reveling in His promises or are you stressed about what's not happening? Are you celebrating everything life gives you or avoiding the celebration?
About The Author - Live Original
Sadie Robertson Huff is well-known for her engaging smile and energetic personality, but there is a lot more to the star of A&E's Duck Dynasty and Runner-Up on ABC's Dancing With The Stars Season 19.
She is the author of Live Original (2014); Live Fearless (2018); and Live (2020), plus many devotionals.
Most recently, she is part of a women's study book, along with three other speakers, titled "What The Women Saw," and I highly recommend it. This is a six-week session about the women in the Bible and how Jesus tells them they are valued.
Grab your Live copy on Amazon, LifeWay, Barnes and Noble, and more retailers.