Gifts

I think we all have that "inner child" when it comes to gifts.  Like at Christmas time, we all remember how it felt to be waiting with such anticipation for the presents from Mom and Dad.  We would wait all December, seeing the pile slowly accumulate with brightly wrapped packages.  Then Christmas morning finally comes, and us kids would wake up at the break of dawn!  Our parents are sleepy-eyed, but they still smile with just as much joy as they watch us open the presents.

What makes this process so much fun!  Is it the surprise?  The whole point of a gift is that it is something you didn't choose, but it was given to you.  Is is the anticipation?  Or the expectation of something wonderful?

So, what is it about gifts?

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, 

coming down from the Father of lights 

with whom there is no variation 

or shadow due to change."  

James 1:17

Our heavenly Father is the Giver of good gifts.  All His gifts are good, because He is good!  

Think of this in relation to what it is like to get presents at Christmas time.  We are so excited for this "thing/present".  We don't know what is in the package.  We may have suggested some items that we wanted, but in the end our parents made the final decision for what would be good and best for us.  It might be that toy we always wanted, or the socks that we really needed!  We don't approach the tree with fear or worry, but we are excited to find out what is there.  

Our heavenly Father is the Giver of good gifts.  All His gifts are good, because He is good!  

"I say to the Lord, 'You are my Lord; 

I have no good apart from You'"  

Psalm 16:2

Think of all the gifts we have from God.  

Everything is from God!   

And everything from God is a good gift.  

My life is a gift from God, every part of it, even what I don't see.  In His grace, He has given me so many blessings--so many good things.  He has allowed me to learn things and go through trials--so many good things.  He is working out His plan for my life, which is a gift from His good hand. 

I can go through life waiting expectantly for the next gift from God.  I can be like that child on Christmas day, holding their breath for the nod from Mom and Dad to dive into the pile of good things.  I don't need to fear or worry, the gift will be good!!!  

"You open Your hand; 

You satisfy the desire of every living thing.  

The Lord is righteous in all His ways, 

and kind in all His works."  

Psalm 145:16-17

God gives good gifts.