Scripture: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” – James 1:17
Observation: James is explaining that true faith will yield good works, not the other way around. Our salvation is not dependent upon what we do, but is solely dependent upon God. It is a gift from the Lord, and once we accept that gift, we will desire to do works that will please God and share His love and message with others.
Application: One wonderful truth about God is that He is the same “yesterday, today and forever” as it is written in Hebrews 13:8. If we read something about God in the Bible, we can know without doubt that it is true. In our verse today, James reminds us of that. Additionally, he makes the statement that every good and perfect gift is given to us from our Father in heaven.
As we head into the new year, we will undoubtedly face challenges and struggles, but God will see us through each one. When our faith begins to weaken, He will strengthen us; when we are no longer sure of which path to walk, He will lead us; when we are brokenhearted, He will heal us. God is faithful to His children, and Paul reminds us in Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Sometimes it is very hard to see any good coming from the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, the betrayal of a trusted friend, etc., but God sees the bigger picture, and He knows the eventual outcome. Since we know that all of God’s promises are true, we can know… even when we don’t feel it or see how… that God will ultimately make all things good.
James reminds us that there is “no variableness” with God. He doesn’t change His character mid-stream. Who He was when He created the world is the same that He is today and will be tomorrow! God says this about Himself in Malachi 3:6, “For I am the LORD, I change not;”
Sorrow and hopelessness darken our perspective, but James also reminds us that God is the Father of lights. It is His faithfulness and love that will brighten our hearts and souls as we go through this life on earth. We can have hope and peace knowing God continues to be in control, and His will for us is always the best. As the new year approaches, we can have confidence that no matter what lies ahead, God is with us and will see us through every challenge or struggle. Our hope is secure in the promises of God and the knowledge that “…with God all things are possible.” (Mark 1-:27).
Prayer: Father in heaven, thank You for Your Word and its truths. I know that no matter what happens in my life or in this world, Your Word remains true, and I can depend on it always. As this new year approaches, I can rest in the truth that You have me securely in Your hand, and nothing will happen to me that You are not aware of. I trust that You will always make all things work out in my life to be in accordance with Your perfect will for me. That gives me such comfort, and I thank You for that. Help me to trust You more each day. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.
God picked up a sparrow that could no longer fly He brushed off his wounds and then watched it soar into the sky If He's mindful of creation on this I can depend I am His child and I can place all my trust in Him I can trust Jesus, I can trust Jesus He never once has failed to meet my needs He is my strong tow'r, the strength in my weakest hour I can trust Jesus, He takes care of me (from “I Can Trust Jesus” by Gerald Douglas Crabb)
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“Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” – Psalm 37:5