Devotionals from my Bible app: The Giver of Good Things (James 1:17)

Note prior to sharing the devotional: God used James 1 a lot in speaking to me and shaping the early days of my Christian faith walk. The first 18 verses of this chapter have spoken to two key areas of struggle in my life, and they still speak to me today: going through trials, and overcoming lust and temptation. Today's focus verse, James 1:17, states that God is a rewarder of those who stay steadfast in trusting Him through trials and temptations.

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, NKJV

The Giver of Good Things

James 1:17 has a lot to tell us about God. First off, James tells us that God is the one who gives good and perfect gifts. Everything starts with God, so all good gifts and blessings in life come from God.

In addition to that, it is God who gives us salvation, which is the greatest gift. He freely offers us eternal life by believing in Jesus Christ as the One who saves us. God not only gives perfect gifts, but He also is the perfect Gift.

The next thing we learn about God in this verse is that God reigns from heaven but has also come down from heaven to us. God rules and reigns from His throne in Heaven (Psalm 103:19). He is the perfect gift that has come down from heaven.

Lastly, we learn that God is unchanging. Humans are constantly changing. God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, and His character never changes.

The God who loves us and gives us grace today will do the same tomorrow.

So take some time today to thank God for who He is and what He has done for you. Thank Him for the gifts and blessings He has given you. Thank Him for the gift of salvation.

https://bible.com/bible/59/jas.1.17.ESV