Recently my young son was ecstatic to receive a new school pencil—just a regular, old-fashioned, orange, made-in-China pencil. He beamed as he proudly showed it to me and asked me to help him sharpen it for the very first time.
This got me thinking about how children are so eager and excited about everything! They find joy in living each and every day. I remember when I was young and almost everything was a cause for wonder—a new toothbrush, new books, the first signs of a changing season, the wind blowing through the trees, bumblebees flying from flower to flower. The discovery and observation of basically everything was a marvel.
It makes me wonder, when did I stop seeing joy and wonderment and things just became commonplace? And does the loss of this childlike joy stretch into my spiritual life and walk with the Lord?
I believe this is part of what Jesus meant when He said we are to “become like children” (Matthew 18:3). A child is eager and excited to learn new things, treating each as a reason for joy. Children know how to be grateful for every blessing, whether big or small.
Philippians 4:4,6 says: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (NIV).
God wants us to have joy in our hearts that causes us to praise Him in every situation! “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
If you are like me and are having a hard time finding joy in the commonplace things of everyday life or inspiration in your walk with the Lord, try reading or listening to the Psalms. You will discover ways and reasons to give God thanks, even during trying circumstances. “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1). As we praise and thank the Lord, it will change our outlook on life and we will echo David’s words, “Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions” (Psalms 119:18 NLT).