Devotional - May 6, 2026
Scripture: Genesis 1: 31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.
The only other back track I wanted to take was the above text. I am not a fan of viewing life through rose-colored glasses or overlooking the negative aspects of life. I believe criticism has it's place, but so does seeing the good; even looking for it. Unfortunately, negativism has taken over our media to the point that it has cast a distorted view of society. So, why does God look over all his creation and say, it was very good? To see this, you have to step back and look at the bigger picture. You also have to look up close. When you step back, you see that things are balanced. One thing balancing off the other and not just two things. God creates, sky, land, and water. All of which are interacting with one another to provide for the creatures that live in the three areas. The fish need water, the land animals air and so forth. Even the times of day balance, day and night. It makes for a perfect ecosystem. When you look up close, each creation has it's purpose. A blade of grass, a human being, they all provide a needed role in the grand scheme of things. I think too many people have a hard time enjoying life, or working well with others, due to an inflated or deflated understanding of themselves. Their expectations of themselves are either too high or two low. Or more likely, a combination of the two. For some, seeing the good in other people is an act of comparison. The other is either better or worse than they are, so they make a judgement that suits their needs. They can't simply appreciate the goodness found in others, be it a personality trait or skill because of their intrinsic needs for affirmation, ...or sadly defamation. We all may suffer a bit from this in certain areas. Being aware of this can help lessen it's effect on our lives and open us up to appreciate the goodness of what is around us each day. It allows us to simply be in a situation and do our part with others. Even when those people may be hard to take, they can be appreciated. Even in my field, there are clergy who struggle in many ways with their calling and dealing with people. But, their scholstics and their ability to share their knowledge is amazing and spot on. They may not have the ability to discuss theological issues over coffee, but their sermons or lectures stay with you long into the week. You may dislike their inabilities or short-comings, so you don't want to listen to them or recognize and benefit from what they do well, or good. That is unfortunate, I too can be guilty of doing so, but I encourage all of us to work at seeing the good in the world, especially other people. God sees the good in God's creation which includes you and continues to work it until it is very good (Philippians 1:6). Let's do the same, in Jesus name, Amen.
Pray with me.., Holy God we admit we are too harsh at times on the world around us and even on ourselves. We avoid things, and don't want to see others, because we don't like them. Help us, Lord. Help us to see the good and work to make all things good, very good. We ask Your blessing on our church and on our loved ones. Bless them, we pray, according to their needs, in Jesus' name, Amen.
God's peace,
Pastor Brian
