Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.
(John 21:25)
This verse is how John concludes his Gospel – his final reflection after recounting just a glimpse of Jesus’ life and ministry. His writings cover only the things Jesus did as He walked on earth, during His three years of active ministry, in the areas He was able to reach by foot.
Even that limited window into God’s goodness was too vast to be fully recorded.
Now imagine trying to write down all that God has done in the world since the beginning of creation. We would need galaxies to store the stories. Libraries upon libraries would capture words whispered to discouraged hearts in the dark of night. Enormous books would capture the hope-filled promises He’s uttered and then fulfilled – children to the barren, healing to the dying, rescue to those trapped in slavery, restoration to relationships on the brink of ending.
We truly have so much to rejoice in!
In heaven we will spend eternity rejoicing in who He is and what He’s done. But we don’t have to wait. As we’ve explored this year, there is power in rejoicing. It deepens our intimacy with God. It strengthens us to endure. It lifts the weight of anxiety and discouragement. And most importantly, it honors the heart of our Father.
An earthly father doesn’t need his child’s praise. A good father will care for his baby, meeting constant demands, even if a ‘thank you’ is never uttered. But how joyous he is when the child first tries out the words, ‘I love you’ or gives an unprompted hug.
It’s the same with our Heavenly Father. He delights when we respond with worship. Jesus healed all ten lepers, but He honored the leper who returned to give thanks (Luke 17:11-19).
Rejoicing is truly a beautiful gift that produces great fruit in our lives. Sometimes it’s a quiet thank-you whispered through tears. But it’s always powerful. It roots us in truth. It pulls our eyes up from our circumstances and places them firmly on Jesus.
And when we look at Him, it’s not hard to find reasons to rejoice.
May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!” (Psalm 70:4)
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