At the end of 2020, it felt so easy to look around and be discouraged or to let my focus rest on something other than God.

In the middle of pandemics, cancelations, isolation, and a changing way of life, I was often guilty of not taking time to notice the things that God placed in my everyday life that were meant to be blessings, as well as reminders of Him.

In Acts 14:17, Paul and Barnabas encourage people to notice things around them that point to God.

These two apostles came up against a problem when the people in Lystra wanted to worship them because of a healing they had done in Jesus’ name. The people let their focus shift onto things that they could tangibly see. So, Paul and Barnabas remind them that there are plenty of tangible blessings that God has placed all around us to be a constant testimony of Him.

This verse points to nature as a primary witness of God. The seasons, the rain, the wind, the sun. Each is for our benefit. It helps sustain us, it is to give us joy, and it reminds us of our God.

Amidst the chaos of life — when discouragement threatens — the happy blessings I find in nature benefit me and constantly draw my thoughts back to God.