#TuesdayTruth James 1:17

James 1:17

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

When I woke up this morning, my first thought was one of anxiety, of concern, of fear, of worry about the future. Thankfully, I quickly realized that this was not from my Father in heaven, and it was not something that I should waste time and mental energy on. Instead, I should be thanking my GOOD Father for the gifts He has given me and even for those that He has yet to give me.

I had already (days ago) selected this verse as the verse for the “Tuesday Truth” this month, and yet, my first waking thought was not how God provides and gives us good and perfect gifts, and how He does not change. It was, honestly and embarrassingly, of my human concerns.

Didn’t He say that He will provide for me? That I am more valuable than the birds of the air? And, He does provide for the birds. I can see that every day. I can see how He cares for the flowers of the field, EVERY SINGLE DAY. He provides for the birds and he clothes the grass (Matthew 6:25-34), and I KNOW that I am more valuable to Him, so why would I worry?!

This is not to say that we will get every single thing that we want here on this earth. We know that we will not. Sometimes our wants do not line up with what He has for us. We must remember that His ways are higher and His plans are better. Sometimes the mercy and goodness of God is wrapped up in an answer of “No” or “not right now” to our requests.

Our God does not change. He was the same yesterday. He is the same today. He will be the same tomorrow. He has always been good. He will always be good. He has always cared for His children. He has always known how to give His children good gifts, and we are His children!

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for ALL of the many gifts that you have given us (and for all the gifts that you have yet to give us). Thank you that we have no cause for worry or fear, because we are your children. Thank you for giving us things that we can see in nature, in every day life, that remind us that you will continue to care and provide for us. Thank you most of all for the gift of your Son.

We love you Father,

Amen.