Gratitude #5: We Celebrate the Source

“Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.”

James 1:17 NLT

Do you realize God is the source of all good things?

James 1:17 tells us “Every good and perfect gift” comes from God. Everything written in the Word of God is truth. Gratitude doesn’t always come easily because our flesh doesn’t like to line up with truth. But as we bring our flesh into alignment with truth, the practice of gratitude will change our perspective. We get to express our gratitude towards God.

Think about it for a moment, the very breath you have was given by Him. If He is the source of every good gift in our lives, it’s safe to say every award we’ve been presented, compliment we’ve received, promotion we’ve gotten, or acknowledgment for our service is all because of Him.

How we respond to the gifts becomes the most important part. The giver of every good and perfect gift deserves the praise. Yes, it is worth celebrating your accomplishments, but, in the celebrating, we turn our attention to the Giver. Because of His perfect love for us and because we are His creation, we get to celebrate Him as our source.

Your action steps:

REFLECT: Think about the most recent accomplishment, compliment or kind word you’ve received. Why do you think you received it? What led up to that moment?

RESPOND: In your Gratitude Journal or notebook, jot down a few of those things that happened that led up to the moment where you felt honored and celebrated.

In your prayer time, give those things to Him and thank Him for being the source of every good and perfect gift in your life.