It’s always fun to get an unexpected gift from someone. Whether it’s flowers sent to you by your husband, a “I saw this and thought of you” present from a friend, or an encouraging e-mail from a colleague, these unanticipated tokens have a remarkable way of lifting your spirits. You look at them and smile, because the nonobligatory goodness with which they are given reminds you of the sweetness of the relationship.
In an even deeper way, the good gifts God gives us can have a similar effect on us.. The rising sun in the morning, finding something you thought was lost, or a respite in the midst of busyness, can warm your heart and flood you with encouragement. However, just as our relationships would suffer if we demanded flowers, presents and e-mails, so our relationship with God suffers when we are so focused on what He’s capable of giving, that we lose sight of Him. As a song [affiliate link] written by Elizabeth Clephane (1868) states, “I ask no other sunshine than, the sunshine of His face.” In other words, we must realize that as wonderful as His good gifts are, they pale in comparison to the gift of Him.
How gracious is our Heavenly Father that He allows us to come to Him with our petitions and requests. But may we seek Him first and primarily, remembering that when we have Him, we need no other good thing.
