A Prayer for Pausing to Notice God’s Everyday Goodness - Your Daily Prayer - January 16

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A Prayer for Pausing to Notice God’s Everyday Goodness
By: Sophia Bricker

Bible Reading:
“Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy” (Acts 14:17, NIV).

Listen or Read Below:

A mere shimmer of movement caught my eye as I was cutting weeds, but I dismissed it, assuming that what I glimpsed through the posts of the fence was the edge of a butterfly wing. As I continued trimming, though, a flicker of color drew my attention. That’s when I saw it.  

Near a cluster of wildflowers, a hummingbird hovered; a creature with wings that moved at rapid speed in streaks of gray and green. I grew still and watched as the delicate bird fluttered in place and turned its head toward me before darting away into the afternoon sky. Only a few seconds had passed, but I felt as if I had been holding my breath for several minutes, amazed at the chance to see this unique bird. The number of times I had seen a hummingbird was only enough to count on one hand. How wonderful that God had made such a beautiful animal! Spotting this tiny bird reminded me of His presence and the good gifts He provides to humankind.  

The Apostle Paul also spoke about how the natural world provides a testimony to the kindness of our Lord. When the people of Lystra saw how Paul and Barnabas had brought healing to a man who was lame, they attempted to worship them as the Greek gods Hermes and Zeus (Acts 14:11-13). In horror, Paul corrected them. He encouraged them to turn to the true God who made all things. Already God had made Himself known through the gifts of rain and harvest, providing evidence of His goodness.

Although the people were not responsive to the message that day, Paul’s words are true. Everything in creation, from the tallest mountain to the smallest ant, testifies to the existence and character of God (see also Romans 1:20). Scripture tells us that “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge” (Psalm 19:1-2, NIV). Each person receives this same evidence through the sky they see, the sun they feel on their face and arms, the taste of vegetables and fruits, and the fragrant smell of flowers (see Psalm 19:3-4). Though there are places where people have yet to receive the good news of Christ, every person has the testimony of the natural world to understand that God exists and cares about His creation. Accepting the evidence provides a starting point that prepares them to place faith in Christ.  

For followers of Jesus, who already trust in His death and resurrection for salvation, nature still provides us with important reminders. All around us every day is evidence of God’s love and kindness, if we are willing to pause and take notice. Something as simple as a leaf, cloud, or hummingbird can interrupt the chaos of our daily life and bring us in contact with the wonder of God’s creation. These small reminders show us that despite our pain or struggles, our Lord is good, and He cares.   

Let’s Pray:

God of heaven and earth, You created all things and made them for Your glory. Each day, You provide tangible examples of Your kindness and care towards us by providing rain and the growth of plants so that animals and people of the world can eat and be filled with joy. The stars, flowers, trees, birds, and rivers testify to Your handiwork. How easy it would be for me to step outside or peer out a window to reflect upon the creation, yet I too often overlook the gifts You have given.

Help me to regularly take time to pause and marvel at what You have made, allowing the beauty and wonder of nature to remind me of Your love and kindness to me. And may I be moved to praise You, for there is no one like You who is perfect in goodness and beauty: The Lord God who entered creation to save us.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Share your reflections on today’s devotional in the Your Daily Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/aapsky 

Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotionals, and stories. She completed a BA and MA in Christian ministry which included extensive study of the Bible and theology, as well as an MFA in creative writing. You can read her thoughts about literature and faith at The Cross, a Pen, and a Page Substack, or visit the discipleship-based site Cultivate, where she writes with her sister.  

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 This episode is part of our How to Study the Bible Podcast, a show that brings life back to reading the Bible and helps you understand even the hardest parts of Scripture. If this episode helps you know and love God more, be sure to subscribe to the How to Study the Bible Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!