July 18 : God Gives Good Gifts – Recognizing God’s Blessings

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Leisa Walker, Kings SDA Church


  God Gives Good Gifts – Recognizing God’s Blessings

By: Leisa Walker

Power Text

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

 Reflection:

 Have you ever received a gift so perfectly timed and thoughtful that it left you speechless? Something that wasn’t extravagant, yet it met your need right on time? That’s often how God works. Our Heavenly Father is constantly giving, pouring out blessings that we may overlook because we’ve become used to His goodness.

James 1:17 reminds us that every good and perfect gift comes from God. Not some, not occasional, but every good thing. Whether it’s our health, a roof over our heads, friendships, peace in difficult seasons, or even breath in our lungs. These are all signs of God’s hand at work.

On January 12, 2009, God blessed me with one of the best gifts, and I will forever thank Him for it. It is the gift of my son. He has been a blessing to me throughout his 16 years of life. I was afforded the blessing of witnessing how he allowed God to use him for His Glory in order to bless others. “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” Psalm 126:3 (NIV)

God doesn’t give carelessly. His gifts are intentional, rooted in His love and wisdom. And unlike the temporary things of this world, His blessings are enduring. Sometimes they come in ways we expect, and other times, they’re hidden in trials that shape our faith and character.

Recognizing His Blessings

Let’s be honest, life gets busy. It’s easy to focus on what’s missing or what’s going wrong to the point where we miss what’s right in front of us. But when we pause to look around with grateful hearts, we begin to see the fingerprints of God all over our lives.

Here are some simple but powerful reminders of His blessings:

  • Waking up to a new day: another chance, a new mercy (Lamentations 3:22 23)
  • A kind word from a friend
  • A door that opens, or even one that closes, for our protection
  • The peace that comes when we pray
  • The quiet strength to keep going when we feel weak

 God’s gifts aren’t always wrapped in luxury…. they’re often wrapped in love, peace, and purpose.

Challenge:

Take a few moments today to name five blessings in your life. Write them down. Then thank God for each one. When you practice gratitude, you’ll be surprised how many more blessings you begin to notice.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for every good and perfect gift You’ve placed in my life. Forgive me when I overlook Your blessings or take them for granted. Open my eyes to see Your hand at work in every area of my life, big or small. Help me to live with a heart of gratitude, recognizing that You are the giver of every good thing. I trust Your timing and Your ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

 


 

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