Every Good and Perfect Gift - Scripture Challenge - James 1:17
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down
from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadow.”
I can’t believe that it’s already Day 28 for the May Scripture Challenge. This has been so much fun spending time creating and study God’s Word about “Being Created to Worship and Praise”. The theme for June will be “Be Strong and Courageous” - Joshua 1:9.
When we take a moment to pause and look around—really look—we begin to see that God’s goodness is woven into the details of our lives. James 1:17 reminds us that every good and perfect gift we enjoy has its source in Him. Not some. Not most. Every single one.
So many time I think that we feel that gifts need to be extravagant! Gifts from God can be as simple as the warmth of the sun on your face to the unexpected kindness of a friend… from the joy of creating to the peace that surpasses understanding—each of these is a love note from your Heavenly Father. They may seem small, but they are gifts nonetheless, each one carefully wrapped in His grace.
James paints a powerful contrast here: God does not change like shifting shadows. In a world that’s constantly moving and uncertain, we serve a God who is steady and unchanging. His character isn’t based on our circumstances. He’s not moody, inconsistent, or unpredictable. He is forever faithful—the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
So when life feels shaky, take a moment to “be still” and look around you and know that your Father is still giving good gifts. They may not always come in the package you expected, but they are always for your good and for His glory. The more we look for His gifts, the more we see His hand… and the more we fall in love with the Giver.
Reflection Questions:
What are three “good and perfect gifts” you’ve received from God this week?
How does knowing God never changes bring you peace?
In what ways can you thank the Giver—not just for His gifts, but for who He is?
One of the first Christian concerts that I ever went to was Steve Green. He presented a great concert with wonderful music but one song that always sticks in my mind when I read this verse is “That’s Where The Joy Comes From”. Here’s a YouTube link to the song and I hope that it brings you joy today!
Our lives are filled with evidence of God’s generosity. From the grand miracles to the tiniest blessings, each one reminds us of His unchanging love. As we reflect on James 1:17 today, may we not only thank Him for the gifts, but also draw closer to the Giver—our steady, faithful Father of lights.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for every good and perfect gift. Forgive me when I overlook the blessings that surround me or take them for granted. Help me to see Your hand in both the big and the small. Remind me that while the world shifts and changes, You remain constant. Fill my heart with gratitude and awe as I rest in the truth of who You are—the generous, unchanging Giver of every good thing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.