Their eyes were sparkling as if they saw something so precious. When I examined what my kids were looking at as we walked in the mall, I saw that it was that gummy candy specialty store. The kind where they would have to choose what they like from little cubbies, put it in a little tray, weigh it on the counter, and then pay for it.
After seeing that, images of my own childhood flashed before my eyes. I saw the eight year old me at a similar candy store and was buying what I wanted. It was a glimpse of my happy childhood I wanted my children to also experience. And so, there I was, allowing my children to buy the overpriced gummies from that wonderful candy store.
My feeble attempt to make my children happy and have wonderful childhood memories is a teeny tiny reflection of just how much our Heavenly Father would like to bless us. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus painted a picture of God as a parent who gives what’s best for us. Who spares us with what we ask for that could harm us, and gives us instead blessings that will enrich our lives.
“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:11
And although God will not hesitate to discipline us because we are His children, that should not in any way make us picture Him like a strict parent who kills His’ kids’ own joy. He in fact longs to bless us abundantly.
“Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.” Isaiah 30:18
But before we think of getting everything we wanted materially and socially, we should remember that the abundant life Jesus wants to bless us with is not all about worldly riches
“And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15
Instead, He wants us to have a life worth living. A legacy worth passing on and remembering. He wants us to have moments and memories that we and our loved ones will find joy in both experiencing and recalling. He wants us to be assured of having peace with Him and others. After all these are the things we cannot buy, and the world can never take away.
“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
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Matthew 7:7-12 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Do you see God as a giver of blessings and at Eternal Father, or do you see Him as a punisher of disciplinarian only? How might knowing Him through His word let you know His character more?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for longing to bless us and be gracious to us. Thank you for loving us enough to be our Everlasting Father. Thank you for your patience, generosity and kindness. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be by your feet, and walk with you. Amen.
