Every Good Gift...

As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor--this is the gift of God. For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart.—Ecclesiastes 5:19-20

When I was a little girl and I would complain that something was hurting or that I was anxious about an upcoming event, my mom would instruct me to think on something else...something that I loved.  I didn’t always do what she said but looking back they were wise words.  Rejoice and enjoy those gifts that God has given you!   When we see God’s goodness in our life in those things He has blessed us with, we will not dwell too much on “the days of our life” because God keeps our minds occupied with those things we love.  In the context here, it is riches being talked about.  If God has blessed you with riches and wealth, enjoy them and use them for His glory!

These verses brought a verse from Corinthians to mind.

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.—1 Corinthians 10:13

I thought of those gifts that God has blessed me with that bring joy to my heart and occupy my mind (drawing, writing, photography, hiking, teaching, sewing, a love for little ones, a love for animals). Christ is my first and foremost joy. Therefore, I can see my gifts as good and be thankful for them because they have God as their source. Seeing them that way enables me to enjoy them and even view them as a way God has given me of escape from the sin, the toil, and the trouble of life.   The “gifts” the world give do not bring peace or joy.  They bring bondage.  The gifts that God gives are priceless and enduring.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.—James 1:17