Rejoicing in the Good

“And you shall rejoice in all the good that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house.” Deuteronomy 26:11

I thought this text was very fitting for our current situation. Today we started a week off of our normal Bible reading schedule, and we have a reason to do so. Some are falling behind, some are way behind, and others are desiring a break from the five books of Moses. In short, many are tired. And so it may be time for some serious encouragement. I have little to offer you of myself, but God has much to offer. This verse commands the Israelites to rejoice in the good and, as God is the same now as He ever was, we can know that He desires the same of all of His people. We are to rejoice in the good. So let us gird our minds and think about what good things the Lord has done for us. Though I will leave much thought up to you, I would like to propose some starters.

We are finishing up the journeys from Egypt of the people of Israel and they are about to inherit the promised land. Our God always keeps His promises. Our Redeemer is faithful and true. He brought Israel to their promised land. When you die, if you have laid hold of Jesus by faith, do not doubt that He will be faithful to bring you to your Promised land, where moth and rust do not destroy and thieves don’t break in and steal. No more darkness, no more tears or crying or pain. And we will see Him as He is.

We have been born into a dark world, yet we have been shown light. We have Bibles that tell us of a God who hates sin, yet dies to redeem sinners. Do you have any idea how much work it has taken to get a Bible written by the apostles and prophets 2,000 years ago to you here now? Our God and His plan and kingdom are unstoppable!

And if you are one of little faith and cannot see such abstract truths so easily (I often fall in this category), remember that your hand moves by your mere thoughts. You ate food today. Somebody somewhere didn’t. You breathe. Many don’t. You can walk. You can read. You can laugh and sing and cry and sleep. You know color; you can taste food. Beauty is around. Joy is around. All is not dark. The sun shines. The moon reflects and stars shower the heavens. And the Lord of glory shines brightly in all of these. Marvel and admire.

After all, His gifts are meant to direct our attention to Him and create fresh affection for Him. And your list of His goodness can go on and on. It is good to be a Christian today, is it not? Let us remember and rejoice together in the good that the Lord our God has given to us!