The Little Things: Joy

SCRIPTURE: The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves with joy, the meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain, they shout and sing together for joy. Psalm 65:12-13 ESV

THOUGHT: Although it’s basically what this entire series has been about – finding joy in the little things – it’s a big enough topic that it deserves some space of its own. The word “joy” appears in the ESV 203 times, and it makes an amazing topical study. The earth rejoices, the soul rejoices, nations rejoice, days of rejoicing at God’s goodness are planned and celebrated with loud instruments, and even God rejoices. Joy is a big deal.

The Scripture for today stood out to me as we end November and the season of Thanksgiving and launch out into the season of Christmas. It makes today feel like one last, longing look at fall – as pastures overflow, hills gird themselves with joy, meadows clothe and valleys deck themselves with the richness of God’s provision, shouting and singing together for joy – at least for those who have ears to hear.

Perhaps you’ll want to take a long look back today too. Have you stopped to enjoy the little things during this season, or rushed around to prepare for the next? Perhaps December is the month you look forward to most each year; a month of joy. But perhaps you can still borrow a slice of joy from what God has done and is doing in November’s last hurrah.

PRAYER: Oh God, help me slow down and treasure each day, not living in the past, and not rushing ahead into the future. Thank you for pastures that overflow, hills that gird themselves with joy, meadows that clothe and valleys that deck themselves with your abundance, shouting and singing together for joy.