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. (NKJV)
Recognizing the elements of life as God's gifts to us builds a spirit of thanksgiving, that "attitude of gratitude" which promotes health and happiness (Some translators give this reading to Proverbs 17:22: "A grateful heart is like good medicine. . . ." ).
What are these elements of our lives which will provide a foundation for gratitude in all who see them as God's gifts?
The first gift I want to share is found in Deuteronomy 8:17,18, where Moses wrote, "You might say to yourself, 'I am rich because of my own power and strength,' but remember the Lord your God! It is he who gives you the power to become rich. . ." (New Century Version). Other translations say "to make wealth" - NASV; "to be successful" - New Living Translation. We can say then, that it is God who gives the intellect and the strength to make a living. He provides opportunities and enables us to develop needed skills. It is my choice - do I honor Him? am I grateful for this gift or do I take credit to myself?
The next gift is related to the first. Furthermore, as for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God (Ecclesiastes 5:19, New American Standard Bible). I would say that even ones ability to appreciate what God has given is also a gift! Without senses to see and hear, to feel, smell, and taste, and the ability to give all the sensory input meaning, all the beauty God has created would mean nothing to us. What an awesome God! Everything good is from Him!
We will continue looking at God's gifts through the remainder of this year - more tomorrow ~
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