You may have seen the 1965 Rodgers & Hammerstein musical, The Sound of Music. For some, watching the film is an annual tradition. Whether you have watched the movie one time, or a dozen times, you probably remember the song “My Favorite Things”.
Early in the film, Maria (played by Julie Andrews) sings:
“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens,
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens,
Brown paper packages tied up with strings.
These are a few of my favorite things.”
Like Maria, I am sure we each have our own list of favorite things, even if we may be a little shy about bursting into song as we ponder them! But have you ever wondered what some of God’s favorite things are? Or have you ever pondered how we can please our Heavenly Father and bring Him joy?
Here are just a few of the many ways the Scriptures say we can please God:
When we live by faith
“Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).
When we praise Him
“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving. This will please the LORD more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hoofs” (Psalm 69:30,31). In other words, God desires more than an offering sacrificed to Him; He wants our hearts.
When we bear the fruit of good works
“And we pray this so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:9,10).
When we practice good stewardship
“…I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18b).
When we live in unity with fellow believers
“How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity” (Psalm 133:1)!
“…be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you” (II Corinthians 13:11)
It is good to spend some time now and then enjoying a few of our favorite things. But if you want not only the hills, but your very life to come alive with the sound of heavenly music, then live each day in pursuit of God’s favorite things.
Gary Finley, IDES Director of Development