Delighting in God's "Perfect" Gifts

A few days ago, I was so encouraged and brightened by a verse that the LORD brought to mind.  The verse was James 1:17, which says:

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."

This is a very familiar verse to me - one that I've had memorized for quite a while, yet never took much time to reflect on its meaning or apply it to my life.

It kind of sounds silly, but I have an idiosyncrasy for loving and paying attention to things that match, work out "just right", mental puzzle pieces that fit together and make sense, etc.  In general, I really like for things to be perfect - at least, as perfect as they can be in a fallen world - but I would not characterize myself as a "perfectionist", just someone who pays attention to little details and loves visual and mental patterns and connections.  Many times, I'll exclaim, "It's just perfect!!", after evaluating something/a situation that has just worked out very well, and wasn't necessarily planned out that way...  My day is instantly brightened!

Well, on that particular day, not but a minute after my idiosyncratic exclamation erupted from my lips, James 1:17 came to mind.  It suddenly occurred to me that God is the Giver of all of those little "perfect" gifts - each situation that comes together "just right"...each fun time my outfit just so "happens" to match my coffee mug or Bible case...each time something tricky, or time-consuming works out smoothly...each Sunday my fingers play through a difficult piano piece entirely, without completely flunking...each time a Bible verse is providentially brought to mind just at the exact moment it should - these are all reflections of God's perfection, love and sweet gifts He gives to His children.  What an uplifting way the LORD chooses to touch us - to shower individuals with little gifts that brighten our spirits and bring such joy in this journey of life!  He is not obligated by any means to encourage or bless us, but He so graciously does time and time again.  Take delight in knowing that this is one of the many ways the Father shows His undying love for His own.   All praise, glory and honor be to the Giver of Gifts, now and forever!  

So, I would encourage you today...  The next time something turns out just "perfect", thank God and stand in awe of His amazing perfection in orchestrating all things together for His glory!  

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