Dr H Reflections

The Starry Night

The Starry Night

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers – the moon and the stars you set in place – Psalms 8:3

Psalms 19:1-4

1The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.

2 Day after day, they continue to speak; night after night, they make him known.

3 They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.

4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.

Romans 1:20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature. So, they have no excuse for not knowing God.

Vincent van Gogh’s painting “The Starry Night,” painted in June 1889, portrays a swirling blue sky with a yellow moon and stars. The sky is filled with an explosion of colors and shapes, with each star surrounded by rippling yellow swirls, shining like reflections on water.

Van Gogh’s brushstrokes created the illusion of movement in the sky, which led researchers specializing in marine sciences and fluid dynamics to ponder its accuracy in depicting real skies. They analyzed van Gogh’s painting to uncover the hidden turbulence in the painter’s depiction of the sky.

They found that van Gogh’s portrayal of turbulence aligns with established theories of atmospheric movement, indicating his innate understanding of atmospheric dynamics. The researchers believe that van Gogh’s precise representation of turbulence might have come from studying the movement of clouds and the atmosphere or from an innate sense of how to capture the dynamism of the sky.

This study suggests that van Gogh’s depiction of the sky in “The Starry Night” demonstrates a deep and intuitive understanding of natural phenomena (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/the-starry-night-accurately-depicts-a-scientific-theory-that-wasnt-described-until-years-after-van-goghs-death-180985116/).

Interestingly, Vincent van Gogh stated, “For my part, I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me want to dream.”

Could it be that van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” is simply the outcome of creative chance and spontaneous brushwork, similar to the style of Jackson Pollock?

Does design require intelligence?

Consider the analogy written by William Paley in his work Natural Theology in 1802.

Picture yourself strolling along a beach when you come across a watch lying on the sand. As you pick it up and inspect it, you are struck by its intricate design and precise operation. Paley suggests that it would be unreasonable to believe this watch simply appeared by chance. Its complexity and purposeful construction point to an intelligent watchmaker who designed and crafted it.

Paley takes this analogy further, applying it to the universe. Just as the watch’s complexity suggests a designer, so too does the universe’s intricate order imply the presence of an intelligent creator. This analogy frequently appears in discussions about intelligent design and the argument for God’s existence based on the evident design found in nature.

Intelligent design is the belief that certain features of the universe and living things are best explained by an intelligent cause rather than an undirected process like natural selection.

Proponents argue that some biological structures or cosmic intricacies are too complex to have evolved entirely through natural processes and instead suggest the involvement of a purposeful creator or designer.

REFLECT & PRAY

“Napoleon, on a warship in the Mediterranean on a star-lit night, passed a group of his officers who were mocking at the idea of a God. He stopped and, sweeping his hand toward the stars, said, ‘Gentlemen, you must get rid of those first!’” (Newell).

Father, thank You for revealing general information about Yourself in the natural world to stimulate our curiosity and interest and draw people to Yourself. Thank You for providing Special Revelation through Your Word that provides explicit and detailed insights regarding our fallen DNA and need for a Savior. Thank You for giving the Lord Jesus Christ, who came into the world to save us from our sins.

INSIGHT

The realm of observing natural phenomena and created things has been dubbed Natural Revelation. Natural Revelation refers to the knowledge about God and spiritual matters that can be discovered through observing nature, the physical universe, and the inherent moral order of the world. It is the idea that the existence and attributes of a creator can be understood by examining the created world without the need for extraordinary or supernatural intervention.

This suggests that through reason and observation, people can gain insights into God, such as His power, intelligence, creativity, etc. However, the creation is limited in that it does not provide a complete understanding of God’s nature or intentions.

Four main aspects characterize Natural Revelation. First, it is clear evidence that is apparent to all (“it is evident and plain”). Second, it is understandable to everyone, allowing us to infer details about the Creator through His creation. Third, it has been present throughout every generation since the world’s inception. Last, it is limited in scope, not disclosing everything about God, such as His love and grace, but focusing on specific aspects like His power and deity. Natural revelation is intended to make us curious and want to know more. However, it does not provide enough information for one to achieve salvation, underscoring the necessity for everyone to hear the gospel (Constable).

Special Revelation refers to the knowledge of God and divine truth that is revealed directly and supernaturally through the Scriptures. It provides insights into God’s character, will, and plan for humanity that cannot be discerned through nature alone. We come to know the love and grace of our heavenly Father and the way that leads us to eternal salvation.

Psalms 19:1-4

1The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.

2 Day after day, they continue to speak; night after night, they make him known.

3 They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.

He’s everything to me.

Author: Ralph Carmichael

In the stars His handiwork I see

On the wind He speaks with majesty

Tho’ He ruleth over land and sea

What is that to me

Chorus

‘Til by faith I met Him face to face

And I felt the wonder of His grace

Then I knew that He was more

Than just a God who didn’t care

That lived away out there

And now He walks beside me day by day

Ever watching o’er me lest I stray

Helping me to find that narrow way

He’s ev’rything to me

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

The sign of the fish ∙

The sign of the fish ∙

May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior give you grace and peace. – Titus 1:4

2 Timothy 1:9-10

9 For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time – to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.

10 And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News.

Internet acronyms are often confusing. They have become popular as shortcuts for fast-paced digital communication. DYK (Do you know) some of the most popular acronyms of today? If not, DW (Don’t worry) – you soon will.

Do you need a bit of help? You might need someone to break it down. For example, ELI5 stands for “Explain like I’m 5,” which means providing a straightforward explanation without complexity.

In case you missed it, ICYMI, here are a few more: IMHO means “In my humble opinion,” and PIBKAC humorously points out that the “Problem is between keyboard and chair,” implying user error, that is, the problem resides within you.

Among symbols from the first century, one frequently encountered the acronym ICHTHUS (ἰχθύς), known as the sign of the fish. In Greek, ichthus means “fish.” The symbol of the fish became a secret way for early Christians to identify each other.

According to tradition, during the Roman Empire’s persecution of Christians in the early centuries, the fish symbol served to differentiate allies from adversaries. As recounted in ancient stories, a child of the King would draw one arc of a simple fish outline in the dirt upon meeting a stranger. If the stranger completed the drawing, it signaled mutual faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Christianity Today, Elesha Coffman).

Saint Augustine appreciated the fish symbol as a Christian emblem and a descriptor of Christ. The Greek word ichthus forms an acrostic for Jesus Christ, God’s Son and Savior.

Augustine remarked, “It is a suitable sign for Christ because He was able to live without sin in the abyss of this mortality, as in the depths of waters.’ He saw Christ as like a fish immersed into a foreign environment. That environment being this fallen world” (MacArthur).

In the 1970s, the “Jesus Fish” became an icon of modern Christianity.

The Greek word ICHTHUS (ἰχθύς) is spelled as follows:

Iota (i), Iesous (Ἰησοῦς) Jesus

Chi (ch), Christos (Χριστός) Christ/anointed

Theta (th), Theos (θεός), God

Upsilon (y or u), Huios (υἱός) Son

Sigma (s), Soter (σωτήρ) Savior

REFLECT & PRAY

Hebrews 2:17 Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then, he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people.

Father, thank You for providing the Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, to be the Savior of the world. What a wonderful acronym:ICHTHUS (ἰχθύς)

INSIGHT

Luke 2:11 The Savior – yes, the Christ, the Lord – has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!

John 20:31 These have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

The name Jesus in Hebrew is originally Yehoshua (pronounced Yeh-HO-shoo-ah), which was later shortened to Yeshua (Yeh-SHOO-ah). Both versions translate to “The Lord is salvation.” This name was quite common among Jewish families. It was often given to sons as a symbol of faith and hope that God would eventually send the Messiah to set up the promised kingdom and redeem His people.

In the Greek New Testament, the word translated into English as Jesus is Iesous. Iesous is a transliteration of the Hebrew word Yehoshua. Transliteration involves converting letters of a word from one language to similar-sounding letters in another, creating a new word in that language. An example is the English word “baptize,” which is derived from the Greek word baptizo (bap-TID-zo), meaning to immerse, sprinkle, submerge, dip, wash, identify, or bring about permanent change.

The Greek word Christos (Χριστός) comes from the Hebrew word Mashiach (מָשַׁח), meaning “Anointed One” or “Messiah.” This Hebrew term gives rise to the English word “Messiah” through its Greek transliteration, Messias. Both Mashiach and Messias signify The Anointed One.

The Greek term theos (θεός) is translated to English as God, while huios (υἱός) is translated as Son.

The Greek word soter (σωτήρ), meaning “savior,” describes someone who delivers others from danger or harm. This term is used for the Lord Jesus Christ, who is seen as the one who rescues those who accept Him as Lord, saving them from sin and impending judgment. Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world.

John 1:1-14

1 In the beginning, the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 He existed in the beginning with God.

14 So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

The eternal Son of God became truly human. He subjected Himself to His own creation and its physical laws, experiencing its ups and downs. He would undergo the development of human reason and language, being taught things that, as a human, He did not know. He walked like a baby before he walked like a man. He thought and talked like a baby before he thought and talked like a man. The growing pains of the Son of God were just as real for Him as they were for us. He had to learn to be a carpenter from His earthly father, Joseph. Jesus Christ lived with a human body, mind, and soul, with all their limitations, except for sin (R. Kent Hughes).

“He really did it. It really did happen. Paul was right: “Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body . . ..” (1 Timothy 3:16)” (R. Kent Hughes).

The miracle of the incarnation is remarkable on many levels. The eternal Son of God became truly human. He became a man to sympathize with and understand what it was like to be human.

Hebrews 4:15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.

No one can genuinely empathize with another unless they have personally experienced something similar. In the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior of the world, we have not only Someone who saved us from our sins but also Someone Who, in His humanity, experienced the same challenges and temptations that we face. He fully comprehends human temptations, limitations, and shortcomings and can relate to and sympathize with us. He offers perfect guidance and support.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯8-18-2

Last words

Last words

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” – Luke 23:34

John 19:30 Jesus said, “It is finished!”

Luke 23:46 Jesus shouted, “Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit!” And having said this, he breathed his last.

In the profound moments of approaching life’s end, people’s last words often resonate with deep emotional significance. These expressions reveal core human desires and needs that transcend time and circumstance, capturing the essence of love, forgiveness, reconciliation, and the need for emotional closure.

People who know they’re dying often express some variation of one of those four themes – indicating that they waited until it was late to show their appreciation for others or right their interpersonal wrongs (Siddhartha Mukherjee, Oncologist). The four most common phrases uttered on their deathbeds are:

I want to tell you that I love you.

I want to tell you that I forgive you.

Would you tell me that you love me?

Would you give me your forgiveness?

What is the significance of these phrases?

“I want to tell you that I love you” is a phrase that shows the basic human need to express love. As life comes to an end, the need to communicate affection becomes very important.

“I want to tell you that I forgive you” reflects the human desire for peace and resolution. Forgiveness is a powerful tool that frees both the giver and the receiver from the burdens of past grievances. When someone forgives in their final words, it shows an act of release and reconciliation, opening the way for emotional healing.

“Would you tell me that you love me?” shows a deep desire for affirmation and reassurance. In someone’s final moments, seeking love from others is a profound way of seeking validation and connection. This question reveals vulnerability and the basic human need for acceptance and belonging.

“Would you give me your forgiveness?” is a request for redemption and reconciliation. It acknowledges past wrongs and seeks to mend broken relationships. This request emphasizes the importance of closure and the desire to make amends before departing.

They are a testament to the enduring nature of human relationships and the timeless quest for inner peace and connection at life’s end. Mukherjee explained, “They indicate that they harbored grudges, lived with unresolved guilt, or spent years being too afraid to be vulnerable.”

REFLECT & PRAY

Psalms 32:1 How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven; whose sin is covered!

Father, thank You for sending Your Son to die for me and provide redemption. Thank You for adopting me into Your Forever Family, showering me with love, acceptance, and forgiveness.

INSIGHT

The last words of the Lord Jesus Christ were quite different from those of fallen people facing the end of their lives. The Lord Jesus Christ came into the world to die for the sins of the world in order that we may be forgiven. The Lord Jesus Christ did not require anyone to forgive Him because He had sinned against no one. His forgiveness of others transcended mere one-on-one interactions. The forgiveness he offered was total and complete for all who accept

He was concerned that the Father in heaven would forgive people. He was totally selfless, altruistic, and other-centered.

Luke 23:34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

This plea for forgiveness demonstrates the grace, compassion, and mercy He offered all people, even those who were crucifying Him. It highlights His mission to provide forgiveness and reconciliation. He did not need to be forgiven because He was without sin.

Luke 23:46 Jesus shouted, “Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit!” And having said this, he breathed his last.

The very last words of Christ express trust and surrender and convey His unique and eternal oneness with the Father. It reflects His obedience and willingness to lay down His life, entrusting His spirit to God the Father.

John 19:30 Jesus said, “It is finished!”

He completed all the work that God had sent Him to do, including bearing the penalty for sins. Jesus proclaims that all the work the Father had sent him to accomplish is now completed, particularly His work of bearing the penalty for sins. This means there is no more penalty left to be paid for sins. His mission is finished, and sins have been paid for in full.

In 33 AD, when Jesus Christ died on the cross, every sin we would commit had not yet occurred because we would not be born for more than 1900 years. In a fantastic transaction conceived and engineered by the Father, all sins, past and future, were grouped into comprehensive lists. Paul refers to it as a certificate of debt. Jesus paid for all of our sins before we even committed them, once and for all.

Colossians 2:13-14

13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,

14 by canceling the certificate of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

The Greek word translated as the certificate of debt or record of debt is cheirographon, which literally means “made with hands.” It comes from cheir, meaning hand, and poieo, meaning to make. It refers to a handwritten record of debt, a record of indebtedness. Paul uses this term to describe God’s record of charges for breaking His law. In our culture, we would call it the list of charges against us. Each of us has our own list. The Lord Jesus Christ took each of our lists and nailed them all to the cross. When He died, He announced for all time tetelestai, which means “It is finished” or “Paid in full.”

Each child of the King had their entire debt paid in full once and for all.

The last words of the Lord Jesus Christ were uttered on behalf of all humanity. When Christ died, all of our sins were paid for once and for all on the cross. He established a personal account in our names full of forgiveness.

The moment we accept Christ, all of our sins are forgiven. As we go through life, we make withdrawals when we confess.

We actualize the forgiveness in time-space, which is already ours in eternity.

We don’t need to work on being forgiven because Jesus paid the price for all mankind’s sins on the cross. We simply accept His forgiveness (Harry Brewer).

John 3:16-18

16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

18 He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

“He died upon a cross of wood, yet made the hill on which it stood” (Frederick William Pitt ).

When your expiration date comes, and it is time to go to the Father, what do you suppose your last words will be?

The Maker of the Universe

Poem by Frederick William Pitt (1859-1943)

The maker of the universe, as man for man, was made a curse:

The claims of laws which He had made, unto the uttermost He paid.

His holy fingers made the bough which grew the thorns that crowned His brow:

The nails that pierced His feet were mined in secret places He designed.

He made the forests where there sprung, the tree on which His body hung:

He died upon a cross of wood, yet made the hill on which it stood.

The sky that darkened o’er His head, by Him above the earth was spread:

The sun that hid from Him his face, by His decree was poised in space.

The spear revealing precious blood was tempered in the fires of God:

The grave in which His form was laid, was hewn in rock which He had made.

The throne on which He now appears was His from everlasting years:

But a new glory crowns His brow, and every knee to Him must bow.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Sentinel chickens ∙∙

Sentinel chickens ∙∙

O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen on your walls; they will pray day and night, continually. Take no rest, all you who pray to the LORD. – Isaiah 62:6

1 Thessalonians 5:1-6

1 Now, concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we do not really need to write to you.

2 For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night.

3 When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape.

4 But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief.

5 For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night.

6 So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is a serious infectious disease that primarily affects the brain and central nervous system. With a mortality rate of approximately 30%, it poses a significant health risk. Those who survive the infection often face enduring physical or mental challenges. In the summer of 2024, there was a cluster of cases in New Hampshire with one death, 41-year-old Steven Perry. This lethal, incurable disease is transmitted by infected mosquitoes.

What can be done?

Enter Sentinel Chickens.

Not all heroes wear capes – some don’t even wear clothes. Despite the rise of advanced technologies, one of the most effective methods for detecting widespread diseases remains surprisingly simple: Sentinel chickens. Sentinel chickens are an essential ally in disease detection. They play a vital role in monitoring and controlling mosquito-borne illnesses across the country.

Specially designated coops are set up in areas prone to mosquito infestations. Here, the chickens are fed and cared for and go about living “normal” chicken lives while waiting to be bitten by the mosquitos. Regular blood samples are taken from these chickens and tested for viruses like West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). A positive test result indicates the presence of virus-carrying mosquitoes in the vicinity. Significantly, chickens do not fall ill from the viruses they contract from the mosquitoes, ensuring their safety. They are not harmed in any way.

Without the sentinel chicken program, assessing virus activity in an area would rely on guesswork, leaving the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention flying blind without crucial data until human cases emerge. This method provides an invaluable early warning system, helping to protect communities from potential outbreaks.

BTW – Chicken Little did not make the cut – too much imagination.

The Father has countless purposes for keeping His children, the children of the King, in this world. As bearers of light who are grounded in the truths of Scripture, they serve a vital role as sentinels and watchmen. With their heightened spiritual awareness and knowledge of the Scriptures, they often perceive the signs of impending danger before others do, alert to the subtle shifts that signal trouble on the horizon.

As the return of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Day of Judgment approaches, they remain vigilant, knowing that the Lord will return unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. While those who dwell in darkness will be caught unawares, the children of the light will stand ready, not taken by surprise, but instead eagerly awaiting the Blessed Hope (Titus 2:13).

Titus 2:13 The blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,

In their role as children of the light, there is a profound responsibility to remain alert and not be lulled into complacency by false assurances of “peace and safety.” They are called to observe, discern the times, and stay spiritually awake. Their mission is to illuminate the path for others, guiding them towards truth and preparing them for what is to come.

1 Thessalonians 5:3 While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.

By living with this purpose, the children of the King not only protect themselves but also shine a beacon of hope and readiness in a world that often walks in shadows. Their anticipation of the Lord’s return fuels their dedication, inspiring them to fulfill their assignments with unwavering faith and courage.

REFLECT & PRAY

As the anticipated return of our Lord Jesus Christ approaches, the unfolding prophesied signs signal that the time is indeed near. This moment is not one of fear or apprehension but rather a cause for profound joy and celebration. We are called to embrace this time with hearts full of hope and anticipation, trusting in the promises of His glorious arrival.

Father, grant me the grace to remain spiritually alert and deeply aware of the unfolding of Your divine plan. My heart yearns for the return of Your beloved Son, and while I eagerly await His coming.

INSIGHT

When does a thief strike his target? No one knows in advance except, of course, the thief. So it is with the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. No one knows the day and the hour of His return. We are to remain vigilant.

As the predicted return of the Lord Jesus Christ draws closer, the signs will indicate that the time is near. Rather than fear and dread, we are to rejoice.

Father, keep me spiritually alert and aware. I long for Your Son’s return, but I ache for those I love who do not know Him.

John 9:4 We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned to us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work.

In our society today, one out of three people dies from cancer. When a terminal case of cancer is diagnosed, a short period is predicted until the end. When a patient is faced with certain death, how do they react? Some people become discouraged and dismayed. They give up. While others are determined to get things right with the Father and all those they will leave behind.

As the last days of our lives approach, we should dedicate ourselves to serving the Father as much as possible until He takes us home.

1 Chronicles 12:32 The sons of Issachar, men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.

This particular group of people understood the signs of the times and knew the best course of action for people to take. So it should be with us.

Isaiah 62:6-7

6 O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen on your walls; they will pray day and night, continually. Take no rest, all you who pray to the LORD.

7 Give the LORD no rest until he completes his work and makes Jerusalem the pride of the earth.

The Father’s watchmen are guardians, like sentries on the city wall. They pray and watch for the fulfillment of the Father’s promises. His sentinels will never be silent and take no rest; they will never give up. They diligently pray that His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯7-20-2

Gratitude is the key to seeing God ∙

Gratitude is the key to seeing God ∙

The LORD gave me what I had, and the LORD has taken it away. Praise the name of the LORD! – Job 1:21

Job 1:14-22

14 A messenger arrived at Job’s home with this news: “Your oxen were plowing, with the donkeys feeding beside them,

15 when the Sabeans raided us. They stole all the animals and killed all the farmhands. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.”

16 While he was still speaking, another messenger arrived with this news: “The fire of God has fallen from heaven and burned up your sheep and all the shepherds. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.”

17 While he was still speaking, a third messenger arrived with this news: “Three bands of Chaldean raiders have stolen your camels and killed your servants. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.”

18 While he was still speaking, another messenger arrived with this news: “Your sons and daughters were feasting in their oldest brother’s home.

19 Suddenly, a powerful wind swept in from the wilderness and hit the house on all sides. The house collapsed, and all your children are dead. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.”

20 Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship.

21 He said, “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The LORD gave me what I had, and the LORD has taken it away. Praise the name of the LORD!”

22 In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God.

When dreadful things happen, giving thanks is not natural or normal. How can we develop a habit of gratefulness in grievous times of loss? In her inspiring book, One Thousand Gifts, Ann Voskamp invites children of the King to embark on a transformative journey of daily reflection, encouraging them to recognize and cherish the manifold blessings bestowed upon them by the Father. Through her eloquent prose, Voskamp urges us to pause and contemplate each day, identifying the myriad of ways the Father’s goodness and generosity manifest in their lives.

These gifts, both monumental and minute, await recognition and appreciation. Voskamp passionately argues that it is the key to seeing God in every situation, even in our most troubling moments. It is through this lens of thankfulness that children of the King are able to see the Father’s hand at work, weaving beauty and grace into the fabric of their daily experiences.

By embracing gratitude, Voskamp asserts, we unlock the profound ability to see God’s light shining through the darkest of times, transforming our perspective and enriching our walk with the Father as we travel His chosen path for us to spiritual maturity.

Job’s life was filled with troubling moments: loss, grief, physical suffering, pain, poor advice, accusations, and self-doubt. Job 1 opens with successive announcements of immense losses. Job lost most of his material possessions and beloved and valued family members. Indeed, his heart-wrenching losses were deep and many.

But rather than focus on the negative, he expresses gratitude and thankfulness. Gratitude and thankfulness are always a choice for the children of the King.

Job’s reaction provides a model for all children of the King. He feels the loss and grieves. But then he does the unexpected. He praises and acknowledges the Father as the giver of all good things. He expresses gratitude. The “unexpected” was his norm. He had developed the habit of genuinely being grateful to the Father for all things, good and bad. He recognizes that the Father has given him everything he lost (Job 1:21).

The practice of gratitude does not erase the magnitude of pain and grief people feel in seasons of loss. As the rest of the book describes, Job questioned and grappled with his grief. However, recognizing the Father’s goodness to us, in even the smallest of ways, – prepares each child of the King to worship before our all-wise and all-powerful Father in the darkest hours of our earthly lives (Kirsten Holmberg).

Job’s response to adversity serves as a profound model for others, illustrating that gratitude and faith can transform our perspective and sustain us, no matter how daunting the trials we face. His story teaches that while pain is inevitable, it is our choice to embrace gratitude or not. Gratitude enables us to see beyond the immediate suffering to the enduring presence and love of the Father.

REFLECT & PRAY

Many of us are good at making lists. Have you ever considered making a list of things to be grateful for? Using our ever-growing gratitude list, we can express gratitude to the Father in everyday events. Practicing thankfulness is transformational. Gratitude changes attitude.

Father, You are the Giver of all good things. They come to us from You. Help me to recognize Your kindness and generosity in even the most minor ways and to trust You in seasons of loss and hardship.

INSIGHT

Why? Why? Why?

Why do we often find ourselves asking “Why?” in the midst of suffering? The truth is, we don’t always have the answers. We don’t always know why. When Job suffered, he had no idea what was going on. Sometimes, stating the obvious is worthwhile. The Book of Job had not yet been written when he lived through the events recorded. He had not read it. He lacked the perspective that we have. We now know why such sorrow came into his life and, more importantly, how the book ends: “The primary purpose of Job’s suffering, unknown to him, was that he should stand before men and angels as a trophy of the saving might of God . . .” (Klein).

When tragedy strikes, the children of the King are hurt just as much as anyone else. They grieve, but not “as others who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). “We can worship, even in tragedy, because nothing can separate us from the Father and His love” (Stanley).

Job’s troubles are described as coming from multiple directions. The narrative presents each of the tragedies in rapid succession, giving the reader a feeling detailed well by Job’s later words, “He will not let me catch my breath, but fills me instead with bitter sorrows” (Job 9:18). Job suffers the near-complete destruction of what mattered most in life to him. Yet Job has great confidence. Distraught with grief at the calamities that decimated his family and possessions, Job turns to the Father in lament-laden worship.

In response to his losses, Job exhibits both mourning and faith. He tears his robe and shaves his head in grief, yet he falls to the ground in worship. From this place of lament, he declares, “The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” In doing so, Job exemplifies living by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7) (ESV Notes).

If we only focus on visible things, our perspective on life will be limited. However, there is another way to see. The writer of Hebrews described Moses as someone who persevered as if he could see the invisible (Hebrews 11:27) (Barclay).

Seeing the invisible, or supernatural sight, comes through faith in the One who is Himself invisible. This concept is a paradox. It cannot be validated through scientific experimentation.

Gratitude becomes the lens through which we see the Father, even in the darkest times. Gratitude draws each child of the King closer to Him, offering strength and hope amidst life’s trials.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯12-14-2

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: