Are You Receiving God’s Good Gifts?

September 02, 2022 1 Comment

Are You Receiving God's Good Gifts?

Are You Receiving God’s Good Gifts?

By Brooke Holt

“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.” Psalm 81:10

A few months ago, I was wrestling with God’s plan and direction for my family. I knew a big move was coming, and it would require radical faith. My heart was to be faithful to the Lord’s call, but I knew what I wanted and didn’t want, so I continued to plead for the Lord to work according to my agenda. Any chance you have ever done this too?

As I went up for prayer one Sunday, the prayer minister stopped her intercession for me and spoke these words: “Brooke, I feel like God is asking you to open up your hands to him, to allow him to make the way for you.” She then resumed praying only to stop again and laugh: “He has such good things to give you—to put into your hands!”

What powerful words these were for me to hear at that point! Sure enough, God did not bring my plan to fruition, but he changed my heart to embrace his plan. The psalmist speaks to God’s people in Israel and us today. He, too, invites us to open our hands to the Lord, recognize the ways he has led us and provided for us, and trust him to continue that work of guidance and provision.

The psalmist paints an interesting image for us here—the idea of opening our mouths so that the Lord may fill them. I picture the baby bird waiting in her nest for the mother to come with the evening meal. All that baby must do to eat is open her mouth, and the mother lovingly drops the dinner to her. No effort, just trust to open her mouth and receive.

Is that how you receive God’s good gifts? When he asks you to surrender yourself to him, his plan, and his provision, do you open your hands to him willing to release whatever you may be holding onto and trust that whatever he puts into your hands is good?

Reflection:

What is the Lord inviting you to surrender to him today? Will you open your hands to release and receive his good gifts for you? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

Why is trust so difficult? Unlike all the broken promises of this world, God’s redeeming promises are absolute, trustworthy, and true. The covenants of God afford us with abundant reasons to trust God with his plan for our lives. Trusting God: Redeeming Promises of the Word small group Bible study explores the six major redeeming promises of God found in his Word. Learn more about God’s commitment to his people, the nature of a covenant, and how you can find your security in being a child of God’s redeeming promises. Learn more about God’s promises today.