Last month we talked about how we could rejoice in God forever, even if he never did another good thing, simply because of who he is. While this is true, God is incredibly active in the world – doing good constantly – and this gives endless reasons to rejoice!
The Bible is full of stories of those who praised God for the good he did. The Israelites stopped and gave thanks when they were saved from the Egyptians (Exodus 15:1-21). Hannah rejoiced when God answered her desperate cries for a son (1 Samuel 1:26-28). King David worshiped when God saved him from his enemies (2 Samuel 22:1-51). When God’s people noticed His good works, they could not help but rejoice.
Like these faithful followers of God, we too are surrounded by the good works of God. The Bible says that all things are held together by God (Colossians 1:17). While maybe God didn’t mean it so literally, I like to imagine that the flowers don’t bloom just because of science but because God whispers to each one, ‘It’s time! Open up now.’
James says that ‘every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights’ (1:17). God could have made the entire world black and white. He could have left the spots off a leopard or the stripes off a zebra. He could have made all food taste bland, never created salt or cumin. He could have created one type of flower instead of the colorful array that fill the earth. Why is the world so infused with beauty if not to display His goodness so His children could delight in Him?
Being ones who notice and appreciate God’s goodness, doesn’t just impact our spiritual lives. Scientific studies show that gratitude has an impact on our health! Those who practice gratitude have less stress and depressive symptoms, make more progress toward goals, have more energy, feel closer in relationships and are 25% happier. (The writers of the Bible knew this long before modern Scientists figured it out! Check out Proverbs 17:22.)
The amazing thing is, these remarkable results come from simple practices, such as writing down 3-5 things we are grateful for each day. We are created to be worshippers! And being ones who notice God’s gifts is part of who He designed us to be.
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