The Little Things: Joy

Day 15, Saturday, November 30

Read:Psalm 65

They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side. The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing. (v. 12-13)

Although it’s basically what this entire series has been about – finding joy in the little things – joy is a big enough topic that it deserves some space of its own. The word appears in the KJV 187 times, making it 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, 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.  

As you pray, ask God to help you treasure each day, not living in the past or rushing ahead into the future.