This post is Day 7 in a series of studies about “James”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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James – Day 7

James wants us to understand that The Father who never changes is very different from our earthly fathers and those we have already read about in previous verses. That person who is tempted, who is tossed like a wave on the sea, who is full of doubts. God is constant.

James 1:17-18

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

The Thought

So far this month, we have looked at trials and tribulations, rich and poor, dying flowers and briefly, sin leading to death.

After that challenging introduction James moves into a bit more encouragement. His purpose in what he said at the beginning of this first chapter becomes much clearer.

James wants us to understand that The Father who never changes is very different from our earthly fathers and those we have already read about in previous verses; the person who is tempted, who is tossed like a wave on the sea, who is full of doubts.

God is not like that in any way. He is constant, constantly loving, constantly forgiving, constantly full of light, and constantly good. He gives good gifts, and only good gifts, and everything good comes from Him.

It is good to be reminded of that from time to time.

Many of us look back through our families to see where our “gifts” come from. We look at others and say “she is just like her mother, so good at art or music”. “He is following in his father’s footsteps”. “He or she has the same giftings as a grandparent had”. We forget that it is God that decides! He is there as the baby grows in the womb and He decides which characteristics the growing embryo should take from which parent.

Action

Praise God for His good gifts, for the good things you inherited from your parents.

Praise Him for the perfect gift of Jesus, and all He has done for you.

Pray for your eyes to be opened to recognize the constancy of the Father today.