The Generous Heart of God

The Generous Heart of God

Christmas Joy

I asked my youngest son to pick up some address labels while he was at the store, so I could mail his graduation announcements. He brought me a box of 3,000 labels! I’m not sure how many announcements he thought we’d send, but I don’t think we have that many friends! In that moment, he reminded me so much of his daddy. For him, more was always better.

My son certainly exceeded my expectations — both in quantity and in price!

And in a much deeper way, isn’t that just like our God? He gives generously, abundantly, and often in ways that far exceed what we could ever expect or imagine. Scripture reminds us of this truth in 1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV.

However, as it is written:

“What no eye has seen,
    what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”—
    the things God has prepared for those who love him—

Seeing His Abundance in Scripture

God has always been generous toward His people. From creation itself to daily mercies, Scripture reveals again and again a God who pours out grace, forgiveness, hope, peace, salvation, and love without measure.

Jesus fed thousands with a few loaves and two fish — and still there were baskets left over. He turned water into wine in abundance, far more than anyone expected. He multiplied a widow’s oil and flour so she and her son would survive a famine. God showed His provision is not limited by human resources.

His mercy is new every morning. His peace surpasses understanding.

That is the generous heart of God.

Seeing His Gifts in Daily Life

And that same generous heart still meets us in everyday life. Even in difficult seasons, His goodness appears in quiet ways. In grief, He sends comfort. When we’re weary, He provides rest. In uncertainty, He gives exactly what is needed for that moment—and often more.

Some may say that they don’t see God’s generosity. But perhaps the problem is not that God has stopped giving. Perhaps we have simply become too hurried, too distracted or too weary to notice.

Sunlight spilling through the kitchen window.
The friend who checks in at just the right time.
Laughter shared around the table.
The strength to keep going.

All gifts.

And the greatest gift of all was freely given through Christ — undeserved, unearned, overflowing grace.

Today, take a moment to reflect on the ways God has been generous in your life. Thank Him not only for visible blessings, but also for the unseen way He has protected, guarded and sustained you. Thank Him for the gifts you may have overlooked.

And let’s slow down long enough to recognize His goodness surrounding us and remember that we serve a Father who delights in giving to His children.

Not reluctantly.
Not sparingly.
But generously.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above,” (James 1:17 NIV).

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Laughter is Good Medicine

Laughter is Good Medicine

I wrote “Laugh every day” as one of my new year’s resolutions. Yep, right up there with lose 15 pounds and write an encouraging note to someone every week. Crazy to think that I need to remind myself to laugh. But with my tendency to stress and worry, it fit.

Sitting in my favorite chair with a cup of tea in hand, I researched Bible verses about laughter during my morning devotion. A quick Google search also informed me of the health benefits of laughter. What did I learn? I need to stop taking myself so seriously and laugh more.

Sometimes that’s easier said than done. After the loss of a loved one, holidays often are downright depressing. I try to stay upbeat but they can just get me down. I miss what I no longer have. I grieve for my boys because they’ve missed the influence of their dad. Seeing others enjoy holidays with ALL their family can sometimes lead to a downward spiral.

Have you been there? Are you in a season of disappointment and pain? Are you sleepless from worry? Does grief have a grip on you? Maybe you’ve lost your joy, and laughter is a rare occurrence in your life.

My late husband loved to laugh. I mean, a good belly laugh most of the time. He teased, he laughed, he smiled. He loved being with people and laughing with people. I, on the other hand, have resorted to reminding myself – in writing – to laugh.

Oh but it’s good to laugh. Research says that not only is laughter a result of comic relief, but it provides stress relief, among other health benefits. It’s good for us spiritually, emotionally and physically. While high stress levels disrupt our sleep – making us too revved up to sleep – laughter can bust up that stress and bolster us into getting a better nights’ sleep.

Proverbs 17: 22 agrees. “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” This “medicine” is free and available anywhere, anytime and to anyone.

Funny thing is, now every laugh reminds me of the promise I made to myself. And that brings joy to my soul.

What makes you smile? Write it down; keep it close to your heart.

Live. Breathe. Enjoy the day and be thankful for God-given moments to laugh and de-stress. Give it a try.  Allow yourself moments of joy and laughter.

Restore the joy in your life and renew your mind . . . And laugh.

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Job 8:21

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter

and your lips with shouts of joy.

 

Psalm 126:2-3

Our mouths were filled with laughter,

our tongues with songs of joy.

Then it was said among the nations,

“The Lord has done great things for them.”

The Lord has done great things for us,

and we are filled with joy.

 

Luke 6:21

Blessed are you who hunger now,

for you will be satisfied.

Blessed are you who weep now,

for you will laugh.

 

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