“Pleasure is a divine decree that we ignore at our peril. For it is precisely in enjoying the world God has made that we show we have grasped the goodness of the God we love.”- David Gibson, Living Life Backward
“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.”- Genesis 1:31 (NIV)
Mark Batterson continues Chapter 2 of A Million Little Miracles as he underscores that God’s joyous mood never implies a Pollyanna denial of pain and suffering. Because God experiences heartbreak by anything less than His good, pleasing, and perfect will. Yet, that heartbreak fails to diminish His infinite capacity for joy.
Above all, in Mark’s experience, sanctified grief creates the capacity for joy. Certainly, the author acknowledges, we all want to know the power of the resurrection. But sharing in His suffering? Not so much. However, Mark counsels, it’s a package deal. Because suffering includes a quality that frees, empowers, and helps us discover who we are. And who God is!
Next, Pastor Batterson explains the Hebrew origin of English translation of the word good. As found in the Genesis creation account. Mark notes:
“At the end of each creation day, God’s reaction was recorded. ‘And God saw that it was good.’ The English word ‘good’ is the Hebrew word tov. Tov isn’t just good; it’s gooder than good. It is as good as it gets! Tov is the definition of all that’s good and true and beautiful.
Tov is original emotion — it’s equal parts unadulterated pleasure, pure delight, overwhelming awe, unspeakable joy, and childlike wonder. Like an artist at the unveiling of their own masterpiece, it’s almost life God stepped back from the canvas that is creation and said, ‘I outdid Myself, if that were possible.’ ”
In conclusion, Mark underscores that creativity reveals the image of God in us. Because it reflects the Creator. As a result, the Great Co-mission is all about co-creating. Therefore, Mark counsels, those who can do. But those who can’t criticize.
Today’s question: Do you view pleasure as a divine decree that you ignore at your peril? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Intellectual propositions vs. feelings”