The Weekly Word - A Devotion for the Week of December 4
God provides us with countless blessings, and He never changes.
In this verse, the apostle James reminds us of the truth about the character of our heavenly Father, “with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” Jesus is unchanging, steadfast, and reliable. Unlike us – since we as humans change over time and with the seasons – God remains constant and consistent in His love and mercy. In a world of uncertainties, we find solace in the consistency of His love, grace, and faithfulness.
A few verses prior, James talks about how God cannot be tempted with evil. Temptation is a battle fought within our hearts, and the devil does everything he can to turn us from the Lord. In verse 17, James reminds us of the unchanging nature of God’s goodness.
James says at the beginning of the verse, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.” This is a powerful affirmation of God’s compassion towards His children. Think about the blessings in your life – the love of family, the gift of friendship, the provision of your needs, and the grace He gives us. These are not random occurrences; they are intentional gifts from God.
As we think about gifts from God, let us cultivate a spirit of gratitude. Gratitude is an attitude that transforms the way we perceive and interact with the world. When we recognize that every good and perfect gift comes from God, our hearts overflow with thanksgiving.
May the truth that every good gift comes from the Lord be a source of comfort, joy, and gratitude in all circumstances.