Good Gifts

By: Sherrie Brouhard, author

Going to the grocery store was always fun when my three sons were young and still at home. In the early days, one would be in the baby seat, one would walk and help push the cart, and one would ride in it. As time went by and they grew, there were two walking beside me. Then, later on, there were three. I always had a list and they helped read and follow the list. If needed, I would send one down an aisle to get something when we were short on time.

To reward them for their good behavior, and also just because I loved them, I would let them choose a treat, such as their favorite yogurt, animal crackers, or Cracker Jacks. It was such a joy, especially when I was so pleased with their obedience and behavior. But mostly because I love them!

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Matthew 7:11

I am reminded of how much more God desires to give good gifts to His children. He loves us, and simply asks for our loving, willing obedience. His will is that we fellowship with him, spend time in His presence, and that we obey his commandments. In the same way we enjoy spending time with our children, he is pleased when we spend time with Him.

During times of giving, let us remember that we are to first give ourselves to God. As we walk with the Lord, we should be growing and maturing. He may send us here or there on an assignment to do His will and accomplish His purpose. Sometimes we aren’t sure which direction to go. (He knows the way!) It may be something that seems very small and insignificant, or it may appear overwhelming. But it was on his list. When we delay obeying what he has called us to do, the journey may take longer.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9.

We need to seek Him and seek Him first. We must depend on His guidance, leading, and Lordship in our lives.

Cause me to hear thy loving-kindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.” Psalm 143:8.

A key word is trust. God loves each one of us and His desire is that we would all accept His Son Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and receive the gift of eternal life and have fellowship with Him. That is the beginning. From then on, you continue to obey and trust Him with every area of your life. With that trust, your anxieties will fade and you will experience peace and joy. What wonderful gifts: love, joy, and peace!

Don’t we all enjoy being with our precious children and spending quality time together? We want to have an ongoing growing relationship with our sons and daughters. Don’t we just delight in that fellowship?

Let us endeavor to pursue intimacy with God, growing and maturing in our relationship with Him. Let us not allow things to distract us or cause us to detour off the path. Sometimes we are interrupted on our journey, causing us to take our mind off of our goal. We mustn’t forget to keep our focus on Him and our feet on the right path.