6 December | EVERYONE
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of His creatures." James 1: 17,18
It is still early. I look out and see a tree beginning to bloom, announcing that winter is leaving. In the background there are some young pine trees bathed in dew. They seem to cry. The drops deposited on its branches slide like tears of a nature nostalgic for the sun. Nothing is perfect: A bright sun shining this morning would complete the beauty of the landscape, but we live in a world marked by pain and sadness.
Even though things are not perfect, there is an Almighty God who created nature. The enemy distorted it, it is true. But there is beauty in the midst of the thistles and thorns. There are smiles in the midst of sadness and pain. And everything positive in the world reveals that there is a God of love behind it. “‘Every good gift and every perfect gift’ (James 1:17) is from God. There is no true excellence of character apart from Him. And the only way to God is Christ” (Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, p. 21).
Jesus is coming, and the winter of this world will be gone forever. Peace will reign again among humans. The sun will shine forever because, as we have read in today's text, God wills good for us; and since He never changes, this will always be so.
God has promised it, and His Word will be fulfilled. Are you currently living in the harsh winter of your life? Do you feel that you no longer have the strength to resist the gale of difficulties? Do not despair, God will never allow a trial to come into your life that you cannot bear. When the night seems darkest is when, from one moment to the next, the sun of the new day will rise on the horizon.
Take Action
The context of today's verses (see James 1:13-20) shows that James invites us to turn to God, the Source of all that is good, so as not to fall into temptation and relapse into old errors. Drink from that fountain to avoid unnecessary trouble! Sing "The Perfect Gift" (if possible, with your family).