What steps can we take to recognize and celebrate God's goodness in our lives? The Context: Jethro’s Joyful Reaction “Jethro rejoiced for all the good that the LORD had done for Israel, whom He had delivered from the hand of the Egyptians.” (Exodus 18:9) Jethro’s response gives us a pattern for recognizing and celebrating the Lord’s goodness. Step 1: Pause to Notice the Goodness • Slow down long enough to observe what God has done. • Psalm 34:8—“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” • Keep a running list (journal, note app) of answered prayers and undeserved blessings. Step 2: Remember Specific Acts of Deliverance • Jethro focused on a concrete rescue: freedom from Egypt. • Deuteronomy 4:9—“Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen.” • Identify your own “Egypt moments”—times God clearly brought you out of danger, sin, or despair. Step 3: Recount and Share God’s Works • Jethro heard Moses recount the story, then rejoiced. • Psalm 105:1–2—“Give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the nations. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; tell of all His wonders.” • Share testimonies around the dinner table, small group, or social media to magnify His goodness. Step 4: Respond with Joyful Worship • “Blessed be the LORD…” (Exodus 18:10). Praise was Jethro’s first verbal response. • Psalm 92:1–2—“It is good to praise the LORD… to proclaim Your loving devotion in the morning.” • Sing, speak, or silently adore Him—whatever expresses authentic gratitude. Step 5: Invite Community Celebration • Exodus 18:12 shows a meal in God’s presence—an act of corporate joy. • Hebrews 10:24–25—gather to “encourage one another.” • Host a thank-you dinner, small-group night, or church testimony service so others can join the celebration. Step 6: Offer Sacrificial Gratitude • Jethro brought a burnt offering (Exodus 18:12). Genuine thanks costs something—time, resources, obedience. • Romans 12:1—“Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” • Give generously, serve faithfully, obey promptly as tangible thank-yous. Step 7: Trust God’s Ongoing Goodness • Remembering past mercies fuels future faith. • Lamentations 3:22–23—“His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!” • Romans 8:28—He is still working “all things together for good” to those who love Him. When we pause, remember, recount, worship, invite others, offer sacrifices, and trust, we follow Jethro’s pattern and live in continual celebration of God’s unfailing goodness. |
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