A Treasure Hunt For God's Goodness

As 2024 winds down it is important to reflect on the year that is passing.  Friends United Meeting has invited a variety of Friends to share their thoughts on gratitude.  As David Steindl-Rast, the Catholic theologian, said, “It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful,” so we too shall take time to be grateful. This week's reflection is from Eric Bowman, Associate Pastor, Spiceland Friends Church.

We have all experienced those sleepless nights. We lay quietly while others sleep. We twist around with one foot tangled in the covers. We hear our heartbeat as we lay face up and then face down on the wadded pillow. We worry about our health, our children and grandchildren, our finances, our jobs, and our careers, what will we have for breakfast, and what kind of rush will tomorrow bring? Anxiety abounds in our lives. Don’t get me wrong. For many, there will be a true need for professional help or medication. I strongly advocate for seeking professional help if it's needed. For many of us, the anxious nerves can be calmed by just “counting our blessings.” That’s right! Our peace can be increased and decreased through our gratitude or lack thereof.  

When we forget how good God is, we stop trusting God. We become full of pride because we try to take care of things on our own. We begin to stop asking him for help. Pessimism sets in and we begin to doubt our future. There are serious ramifications to our physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual health when we take for granted God’s goodness and neglect gratitude.  

When this happens in my life—and it does so more frequently than I care to admit—I have found that resting on God’s goodness by meditating on Psalm 23 begins to move me back to a mindset of gratitude. In one single chapter, we see that Jesus is our shepherd, supplier of every need, provider along the way, gives us rest, soul restorer, gives us safe paths, helps in right living, conquers our fear of the unknown, is the light within us, preserves our calm when surrounded by enemies, gives us personal access to Him, provides extra bounty, and gives us unending goodness through this life and eternity.  

It is my prayer that during this season of gratitude, you can be still and find peace of mind by dwelling quietly over Psalm 23. Think of it as a treasure hunt. Can you find each of the things that are listed above in the Psalm to help you reflect on His goodness? Remember—count those blessings. God gives all things good.  

Eric Bowman

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