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THE JOYFUL ARTIST

The first place in the Bible where we see God being joyful is right at the beginning! Each day after God made the next part of creation, it made him happy. "Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!" (Genesis 1:31, NLT). 

God created the earth for his own joy, and He wants to share it with us. And like every artist who finds joy in creating something beautiful, He never stops! He is constantly adding more beauty and wonder to his creation and He invites us to be happy with Him. "Be glad, rejoice forever in My creation! And look! I will create Jerusalem as a place of happiness. Her people will be a source of joy" (Isaiah 65:18, NLT).

It is not only us humans who are invited to enjoy God's work of creation. Every part should join in. "Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it shout His praise! Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy! Let the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for He is coming!" (Psalm 96:11-13, NLT). But humans can also share God's joy by creating as He does.

God created humans in his image with the ability to create. "So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, 'Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it'" (Genesis 1:27-28, NLT). I am sure He wanted them to also hear: "And have the same joy I have while doing it!"

Do you see God's joy when you look at everything He created? Maybe it is time to look a bit closer at the world around you. When you see a beautiful flower in your garden, rejoice! When you hear the birds singing when you wake up, embrace the joy of Heaven that Jesus brought to earth when He was born. 

Do you experience joy when you create something beautiful? If you do not see yourself as an artist, maybe it is time to start. Instead of just putting a plate of food on the table, make it colorful by using fresh fruits and vegetables. Instead of sending a virtual gift voucher, make a batch of cookies. 

Let us find joy in God's creation and our ability to create while we grow closer to Him each day. Rejoice!