Day 22 ( trust)

The boys are getting excited about Christmas.  There are presents under the tree and they are periodically picking them up and shaking, poking, prodding at them.  Sam is convinced that his present is a rucksack - and he is not impressed.  Ben has decided that the square parcel with his name on it is a lever arch file!!!   He is serious.  

This amazes me.  My boys know me really well.  They have never not got the things they want for Christmas ( within reason) and know that I always manage to find them good surprise presents too..... and yet they are still convinced that this year, for some odd reason, I'm going to have bought them rubbish gifts.   Partly this is because they can see what is wrapped up under the tree and their imaginations will only take them so far when it comes to guessing whats in them.   And partly its a fear of not getting something good. And some of it must be a lack of trust in me.

I expect I'm exactly the same with God.  I know Him, I know that He has never failed to meet my needs in the past.  He has always come up with the goods at the crucial moment and yet.... and yet maybe this time will be the time He wont.    Why do we do that??   It makes no sense but doubt seems to be our default mode doesn't it?   I wonder if it is a bit like being able to see the wrapped present but not having the imagination to work out what is in it and therefore going with the first thing which comes to mind.   It is soft and squishy and big so it must be a rucksack.   We look at the evidence before our eyes.   Its unlikely and improbable and therefore God won't do it.  Or it has taken longer than we wanted so it's not happening.    And we fear the consequences of not getting the answer we need - and then fear drives out faith and we find ourselves in a cycle of doubt.

I have been somewhat amused at Sam and Ben's reactions to the presents under the tree.  You see I know what is in them.  I know that they are going to be delighted when they open them and that there is not a rucksack or a lever arch file in sight 😊  They are getting themselves all worked up over nothing.  I could choose to set them right and just tell them what the presents are - but that would spoil the whole fun of the big reveal on Christmas day.

If you are poking and prodding at your prayer requests and have convinced yourself that God isnt going to give you what you need or desire then remember that He is the giver of GOOD gifts.  Every good and perfect thing that you have in your life comes from Him , the Father of lights.  If we, who are sinners, know how to give great Christmas presents to our kids and to each other, how much more will our Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit, and with Him all things, to those who love Him?  And trust me , the day to open those gifts is coming soon.  Just hang on for a little while longer.  God can't wait to see the look on your face when you receive the gifts He has for you!