The Mountains Are CallingSample

The Sweetest Joy

God’s a safe-house for the battered, a sanctuary during bad times. The moment you arrive, you relax; you’re never sorry you knocked.

PSALM 9:9–10 THE MESSAGE

It’s worth it. Buy the dozen roses, make the quick stop at the park, slow down to admire the spring blossoms, eat the cake. We won’t get the moments back. We can’t put the thankfulness on hold. We have an opportunity to appreciate what’s in front of us right now. The exact same moment, memory, and marvel will not come again. God offers countless gifts every single day that we hurry past and overlook. But He continues to give because He’s the greatest giver, the perfect love, and the sweetest sanctuary. He’s everything the world can’t give us. “It’s with lasting love that I’m tenderly caring for you” (Isaiah 54:8 THE MESSAGE).

God’s love is never in a different place than where we are. Our life and His love are inseparable. His never-ending love surrounds us on every side and is revealed in every part of the natural world He created. Are we keeping our eyes and our hearts open to see it every day? His “I love yous” are constant! Each one is precisely what we need, when we need it. It’s up to us to look for them and to let them lift our spirits the way He planned for them to. Divine gestures are not only the sweetest ones but also the strengthening ones. They affirm our worth and confirm His presence. They prove that every moment of our lives has His constant attention, and that He knows us. They’re a surge of joy to our hearts and a simple hug for our world-weary souls. His love never leaves us alone to get through the hard days and long weeks. He’s holding us and every care.

Open your eyes and heart wide today. God has little miracles of His love planned for us. Our life is His highest priority and His priceless possession. He sees us, and He’s hoping we see the love in everything He sends.

Dear God, My heart is filled with thankfulness for You. Your love is the safe place and sweetest joy of my life.