every good and perfect gift is from above

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.  James 1:17

I was awake before anyone else in my house this morning.  Rare and precious moments of solitude were mine.  I poured a cup of coffee and settled into my favorite chair with my fuzzy blanket.  My heart content, my mind quiet, my spirit seeking God.  My heart heard a quiet whisper, "Every good and perfect gift is from above."  Truth.

God only gives good and perfect gifts!  He does not bring hardship, pain, suffering, disease, injury, loss, or any other yucky thing into our lives.  None of those things are a part of Him and He can't give what He doesn't have!  The devil is the one whose goal is to steal, kill, and destroy.  He tries over and over again to separate us from God, trying to convince us that God is the one hurting us.  IMPOSSIBLE!

The Bible says God is love, and not just love, but perfect love!  God is a good, good Father!  (Thanks, Chris Tomlin, for an amazing song!)  The Apostle Paul wrote, "And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus!" (Philippians 4:19)  God will meet ALL of our needs...that includes physical, emotional, spiritual, financial.  God has EVERYTHING we need!  And He willingly gives good and perfect gifts to us.

So often, I waste my time and energy trying to figure out how to get what I think I need.  God already knows which of His good and perfect gifts will fill my need, and He lovingly gives them when I am willing and ready to receive from Him instead of looking for my own ways to meet my needs.  I make it so complicated.  God's way is simple and Philippians 4:6 tells me exactly what to do.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  Simple truth!

Every good and perfect gift is from above!  I will lift up my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth!  (Psalm 121:1-2)