"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

A good friend of mine told me about an incident that seemed to strike a chord with me.

He related to me how he and his children went into a store, a dollar store I think, and his little boy found some toy that he wanted.  He asked my friend, his daddy, if he could get it.  My friend agreed.

The next thing the little boy said was, "You're a good daddy.  I love you."

My friend and I went on to talk about how our children call us "good" and express their love towards us when we do things they want us to do.  But, it's amazing how their attitude changes when we don't grant their wishes.

You see, when we say, "No.  You can't have that or you can't do that," what happens?  They often become angry and bitter.  They sometimes pout and cry and whine.  Occassionally they'll even say hurtful things like, "I hate you."

Why?  Because, at least for the moment, our goodness or badness is rated based solely upon our response to their request.  Think about it, how many times have you ever told your child "no" and they responded with a smile on their face, "I know I didn't get my way, but I also realize you know what is best.  You're a good daddy.  I love you."

Does not giving in to their request make us any less "good"?  Does saying, "no" make us bad?  Of course not.

Try to explain that to your child the next time you decline their request or don't do things exactly the way they want.

And then try to explain this to me.  Why do we do the same thing?

You see, we do the *exact* same thing with our heavenly Father.  When life is rosey and He is doing all the things we ask of Him, we beam up at Him with a grin on our face and say, "You're a good daddy.  I love you."

But, when He doesn't grant our requests or He doesn't do things the way that we think He ought to or He just outright says, "No," what happens?  We sometimes become like children and we become angry and bitter.  Perhaps we pout and cry and whine.  Occassionally we might even say hurtful things like, "I hate you."

And, through it all, did God change?  Is He one bit less "good" because He didn't do what we wanted?  Is He suddenly a "bad" daddy because He said, "No"?  Of course not.

So, why do we treat Him like He is?

Christian, regardless of what you are going through today, God is still the same God.  He is still the same God of grace and mercy and love and peace.  He is still the same God who sent His Son to die on the Cross to pay your price for eternal salvation.  Regardless of the circumstances you are facing, God hasn't changed. 

He remains, a "good daddy."

Sometimes He says, "No."  Other times, He says "Wait."  Sometimes He doesn't calm the storm, but instead wants to calm you.  Always, always, always He pours out His all-sufficient grace upon those who trust Him.  We couldn't last a day with Him.

How will you respond to the Lord today?  Will you wait until He gives you that toy from the store to tell Him you love Him?  Will you only call Him "good" when things are going well and turn against Him when your circumstances aren't what you want?

Or, will you at all times, in all places, in all circumstances, smile within your heart and say to the Father...

..."You're a good daddy.  I love you."

Have a "Wonderful DAY in Christ,"
Jimmy D. Brown
\o/ Praise Jesus!