Soul Scientist

In Scripture, we see three stories about people finding something precious to them that had been lost – a coin, a sheep, and a son (see Luke chapter 15). We see much intentional effort and energy put into the finding of what was lost. The searchers were dedicated to finding the missing, no matter what it cost them in the doing. And no matter our situations in life, I think all of us can identify with the treasure of what was lost and the joy in finding the missing.

“You don’t miss it until it’s gone” – I’ve heard that quote applied to lots of different circumstances and people, too. But I think that quote also applies to these stories with this question – do I look for joy in what I haven’t lost? In other words, do I actively delight in the joy of what I might take for granted? Such things as electricity, access to clean running water and food, friends, family, a job, a paycheck, church, books and the ability to read, technology, my body’s autonomic functions (heartbeat, breathing, wound healing, brain cell renewal, circulation, etc.) and so many other good gifts that are given in fullness each and every day.

All these are things I expect without thanking my Good God for His gracious giving of them.

Until I don’t have them.

I didn’t give much thought about having a large well-run cancer center in my hometown until my cancer diagnosis. I didn’t give much thought about access to online books until I couldn’t go to the library during the pandemic. I didn’t give much thought about my immune system until it stopped working like it should. I didn’t give much thought about going to the store for groceries until I spent time in Romania.

God has always been giving (see Matthew 7:11). I’ve been always receiving.

But there’s a whole new depth to gratitude when I stop and look for the joy of good gifts in my every day.

My life is full to the top and over with good gifts.

And my heart can be full to the top and over with gratitude if I stop to look for joy.

Elisabeth Elliot used to say this truth about finding joy in her life, “It’s Christ in me. Not me in a different set of circumstances.” And the truth of that statement rings true with this (Elisa)Beth, too! From personal experience, joy is only limited by my willingness to seek God in gratitude for His grace.

Neither cancer nor sick children can confine joy. Nor can pleasure, plenty, or receiving praise promote joy. Neither death nor despair can deny joy. Neither accolades nor bank accounts can admit joy.

Only Christ opens doors to joy that none can shut (see Revelation 3:8).

Only Christ opens lives to grace that none can overcome (see 1 John 4:4).

Only Christ opens hearts to mercy that none can refuse (see 2 Peter 3:9).

And only Christ gives the strength from joy that nothing can overcome. Because only Christ has already overcome death, hell, and the grave for all of us (see John 16:33).

He has once for all given us the gloriously good gift we can receive each and every day from now through eternity in a freedom and light that will never be overcome (see Hebrews 10:10 and John 1:5).

2 Peter 3:9 AMPC The Lord does not delay and is not tardy or slow about what He promises, according to some people’s conception of slowness, but He is long-suffering (extraordinarily patient) toward you, not desiring that any should perish, but that all should turn to repentance.

I’d love for you to share in the comments one (or more!) of the good gifts God has given you today. Thanks!

written by and copyrighted to Beth Madison, Ph.D., 2025.