Our Abba Father graciously gives good gifts. He is a promise keeper (Luke 1:45), a waymaker (Isaiah 43:16-19), and a good good Father who withholds nothing good from us (Psalm 84:11).

There are times though that I’m so focused on His good gifts that before I know it, my soul is out of alignment. Instead of praising Him in the present, I find myself feeling like a frustrated child. I didn’t say it was pretty, but it’s honest. And when this happens, God brings me back to a story He laid on my heart several years ago. A story of a little girl who is promised a special gift from her Good Giver.

An Allegory of Sorts

The little girl receives many gifts throughout the years. Some she prays for and others are unexpectedly given. She rejoices and thanks the Giver, but the little girl cannot help but notice there’s still one missing. This one gift she desires most of all. The little girl shares her heart with the Giver and eagerly asks Him when this gift will arrive. With unconditional love for her, the Giver reminds the little girl to stay patient, be still, and keep her eyes on Him. 

The little girl tries her hardest but her imagination wanders. She starts to worry, which leads her to question, ‘What if this promised gift is never given to her?’ Doubt steadily creeps in and replaces her rejoicing and thanksgiving. The little girl spends so much time thinking about this most desired gift that without realizing it, her life begins to revolve around His Gifts instead of her ever-present Good Giver.

Choose Joy in His Presence

This story always nudges at my heart as if the Lord is asking me, “Which is more important to you: My gifts? Or Me?” And He knows my answer even before I have a thought or reply (Psalm 73:25-26). His question resets and refocuses me, keeping my eyes on Him (Jeremiah 29:12-13). 

Our Heavenly Father reminds us - just like the little girl - to keep our eyes focused on Him. Let us be still, stay patient, and keep our eyes on the Good Giver. Let’s desire Him most of all. If we know He has already given us the greatest gift of His son and that He is a promise keeper, then His word remains true even if it’s not on our timing (Romans 8:32).

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” -Proverbs 3:5-6

My challenge to you, and myself, is this: let’s continue to choose joy in His presence. When our minds start to wander or doubt sets in, may we choose to lean in to Him even more. And this is my prayer:

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ashley’s passion is helping women stand firm in their faith. As a type 4w5 on the Enneagram, she enjoys writing as a way to dig deeper into God’s Word and encourage others through all seasons of life. Ashley works in marketing and currently lives in Charlotte, NC - the Queen City!