“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 KJV)
The 1930s were years of economic devastation for most countries worldwide. It was well named . . . the Great Depression. Unemployment was at it highest point. Both food and money were scarce. The crime rate soared. Survival was a struggle for most people. Suicide was a common response to the despair of the times. Due to the economics of 2011, we can easily identify with the 1930s depression. In fact, I recently heard an economist say, “The present economic struggles could easily surpass the economic woes of the 1930s.”
But in the thirties, in many towns and villages across America, families survived only by neighbors helping neighbors. Many heart-warming stories, of individuals sharing with each other, may be found throughout this period. Sometimes the giving and kindness were anonymous. One such story relates how a basket of food and money was left at homes all over town, day after day. No one ever discovered this patron of giving.
Our patron, on the other hand, is known. ‘The Father of Lights’ gives us our daily needs. Faithfully, day-after-day, he blesses us with good things. There is neither a variation nor a hint of change in his giving. Employment, housing, food, loved-ones, health, a beautiful environment, . . .the list is lengthy.
No, I am not ignoring the terrible circumstances that are experienced by ordinary people everyday. We can founder under the circumstances, however, or we can look around us and appreciate the manifold gifts from the Father of Lights. I choose to do the latter. Despite the depressing elements in my life, I still receive an abundance of perfect gifts from above! We must remember that our God uses the bleakest of times to deliver the best of gifts.
Dear Father, thank you for every good and perfect gift. With overflowing, grateful, hearts we thank you for all the blessings you issue to us each day. Empower us to recognize them and use them to encourage one another. This pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today and show a grateful spirit,