by Victoria Heinecke

A reason to rejoice.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link. 

“But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,
    slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.“
Psalm 86:15 New International Version (NIV)

 I wonder if the baker who shaped this pretzel realized that they had created a smiley face? Perhaps not, but if your mind has a tendency to see shapes in clouds, you might also see the smile in this pretzel. It was shaped differently from the others, and I couldn’t help but notice it as I topped it with a little mustard.

So I smiled back at the pretzel, even if it wasn’t really smiling at me. Then I ate it.

Many things can cause us to grin. Sometimes it’s a response to seeing someone smiling at us. At other times, it happens when we’re hearing a humorous story or good news.

Does God smile?

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!“
1 John 3:1 NIV

The Scriptures tell of God being pleased with us, loving us as his precious children. He thinks you’re wonderful – not for anything you do, but because you’re you. He loves you so much that he sent his Son, Christ Jesus, to redeem your sins on the cross. In that, we find forgiveness from God when our actions hurt others.

His is a generous love. It’s lavished on us, beyond anything we can begin to comprehend. It’s also impossible to hold it within ourselves. Something happens when our heart is filled with that over-the-top love. It transforms us and brings peace. It’s a balm for our souls.

“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
    I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and rejoice in you;
    I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.”
Psalm 9:1-2 NIV

That’s something to smile about. Thank you, God.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado