“Am I allowed to celebrate right now?”
I recently wondered this after reaching an incredible milestone following a long season of hard work and prayer. I wanted to post something celebratory on social media, but as I opened my app, I was bombarded with a combination of anger, grief, and conflict. I paused, asked the question to myself, and passed on the opportunity. After scrolling for a while, putting my kids to bed, and getting ready myself, the moment of celebration felt lost, and I moved on.
Every day, it seems that someone somewhere is struggling. There’s a new piece of breaking news about injustice, exposure of evil, or someone you know sharing about a scary diagnosis or difficult personal news. In that kind of environment, it can feel strange sometimes to express joy or celebrate. Perhaps you’ve asked yourself, “Am I allowed to do this?” too.
Elevation Worship invites everyone into a few minutes of joy with their new song, “Alleluia.” In collaboration with Chandler Moore, the prolific worship group brings bright, bold energy to a live recording at their church. The song articulates how praise and worship is not only a joy-filled group activity for the church, but part of each believer’s purpose each day.
Chris Brown, one of the leaders of Elevation Worship, stated, “Worship isn’t just a moment on Sunday or just a moment in your car; it’s a mindset that says, ‘This is why I woke up today.’ It’s so much fun to do live at church right now. I hope people find the joy in it.”
Finding joy in this song is not difficult. I wonder if the bigger task is letting ourselves find joy. It’s hard to find joy when your mind is occupied with all that is wrong and broken in the world. Joy may seem beyond your reach if your time is spent fixating on everything that might go wrong in the future.
It may be easy to get caught up in the vibes and energy of Elevation Worship’s “Alleluia.” However, the lyrics hold the real power to shift your mind from discouragement to joy and from darkness to light. The song is littered with allusions to and direct quotes from Scripture!
For instance, when we join in singing, “I’ve got a God who is for me,” we echo Paul’s words in Romans 8:31: “If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” Has it seemed like those around you are against you lately? “Alleluia” reminds us that we have a God who is for us and working mightily on our behalf.
Later, when we declare with Elevation Worship, “He fought the battle so I wouldn’t have to,” the lyrics we sing reflect God’s command to the Hebrews fleeing Egypt in Exodus 14:14: “The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” It’s hard to remain calm when we feel adversity pressing in on us or we sense that others seek to harm us. However, “Alleluia” reminds us that God has fought and continues to fight for us!
And when we boldly proclaim with Chandler Moore and Chris Brown, “I’m singing in the battle — that’s how I fight,” we are doing more than singing. Our words are mirroring the moment recorded in 2 Chronicles 20:22, when King Jehoshaphat sent singers before the army as they headed into battle against the armies of Judah’s enemies. “At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies… to start fighting among themselves.”
So, maybe the answer to the question I've opened this devotional with is simpler than I thought.
"Am I allowed to celebrate right now?"
In 2 Chronicles 20, Jehoshaphat didn't wait until the battle was over to sing. He sent the worship team first. Joy wasn't his reward for surviving; it was his weapon in the fight. Elevation Worship’s "Alleluia" is an invitation to do the same.
You don’t need to wait for a quiet world, a clean conscience, or a perfect day to praise. You just need a God who is for you, a battle He has already entered on your behalf, and a song that reminds you of both. “Alleluia” is just that song!
The next time you feel guilty for experiencing joy in the middle of a broken world, I hope you’ll remember a truth that I’m storing away myself. Celebrating God’s character and faithfulness isn't a sign that you're ignoring pain or injustice. Choosing joy is proof that the pain hasn't had the final word.
So, go ahead and sing!
Scott Savage is a pastor, author, and speaker who loves tacos, matcha, and sneakers. With more than twenty years of ministry experience, he teaches with a blend of Biblical truth, emotional awareness, and the compassion shaped by his own struggles.
Scott’s writing has impacted over six million readers through trusted platforms such as the YouVersion Bible App, Air1 Radio, and Our Daily Bread. Whether speaking on a stage or writing on a page, he offers a steady, empathetic voice that reassures people they are seen, loved, and not beyond God's healing reach. Tens of thousands of subscribers from over fifty countries are excited to read his free newsletter every Tuesday morning. You can join here today!
