Good Gifts
Have you ever been disappointed by a gift someone has given you? I know I have—especially when it's from someone very close to you, and they give you exactly what you've told them you don't like. It's disappointing.
On the other hand, have you ever received a gift you absolutely loved? It was exactly what you wanted, even though you didn't know it until you opened it. Those are the best! They make you feel seen, known, and appreciated.
God gives good gifts.
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." — James 1:17 (NIV)
I never really thought much about that verse. Of course God gives good gifts—He is a good God. But one day it struck me: He gives good gifts, the exact things we need at the exact moment we need them. These gifts come in all forms: people, circumstances, provision, encouragement, or unexpected reminders of His presence.
Several years ago, we purchased a home when we had no intention of moving. In fact, just a couple of weeks earlier, my husband had firmly told me that I was not to go house hunting anymore! Yet there we were, looking at another house. This time, however, we both loved it. We walked through it once, and twenty minutes later we made an offer.
The next time we visited the house, the paperwork had been signed and it would soon be ours. During that second walk-through, I suddenly couldn't believe how small it felt. I was convinced we had made a huge mistake.
As we were leaving, I turned around for one last look. There, stretched over the house, was a beautiful double rainbow. At that moment, I knew the Lord was giving me a promise that everything would be okay.
That rainbow was the perfect gift at the perfect time.
As for the house, it turned out to be my favourite home, even to this day. I loved it. It became a place of so many gatherings and celebrations. It, too, was a GOOD gift.
God is constantly giving us good gifts. Sometimes it's as simple as a cool breeze on a hot day. Sometimes it's an encouraging word or a warm hug from someone He has prompted. Other times it's an unexplainable peace that suddenly settles into our hearts when we need it most. It can even be an unexpected home that comes our way.
May we have eyes to recognize His gifts and hearts that respond with gratitude.
Father, thank You for knowing us better than we know ourselves and for giving us exactly what we need, exactly when we need it. Help us to keep grateful hearts and open eyes so we don't miss the countless ways You lovingly care for us each day. Amen.
