“And you shall rejoice in all the good that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house, you, and the Levite, and the sojourner who is among you.” – Deuteronomy 26:11
Even in the best of times it’s very easy to dwell on the negative, and these are not the best of times. As we shrink into self-isolation and lament the things we can’t do or don’t have, our thoughts can turn increasingly dark. However, standing as we do on the other side of the cross and the empty tomb of Easter, there is still so much that we can rejoice in!
Take time each day to rejoice and give thanks for the good things God has given you. These include the enormous spiritual blessings we have in Christ: forgiveness of sins, union with Christ, adoption by God, indwelling by the Holy Spirit, friendship with God, spiritual guidance and protection, and eternal life. In Christ we enjoy salvation, sanctification, and the promise of future glorification. No virus, quarantine, or recession can take these things away from us!
We also have many other things for which we can be thankful, even if it’s simply the beauty of the flowers and trees blooming during this unique spring. Take time each day to identify these good things, rejoice in them – let the thought of them fill you with joy, and give thanks for them. Encourage all in your family and circle of friends to do likewise. Don’t let the negativity of the news, the genuine struggles of this season, and the constraints of “staying at home” prevent you from seeing the beauty and blessing of God at work all around you and for you!