Receiving Good Things title graphic

By Heather Scheiwe

Are you receiving everything God is providing?

These all look to you to give them their food in due season; when you give to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are filled with good things. When you send forth your spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the ground (Psalm 104:27-28, 30 ESV).

God does not promise a brand new wardrobe or a six-week vacation in the Bahamas. He does provide the basics that we often don't receive or enjoy because we are too busy: regular sleep, good food, exercise and quality time with family, friends and church community. Renewal.

Do you have these "necessities" on your daily to-do list?

  • Get plenty of sleep and rest.
  • Ask a broom to dance. Or your husband. Or a friend. Get out of your chair and move!
  • Eat well. Find foods you enjoy. If you are forcing yourself to eat avocadoes when you'd rather have almonds, you won't stick with that plan very long.
  • Spend time with loved ones.
  • Turn off the television.
  • Plan meals together as a family.

Pray. Along with the peace of mind that follows prayer, prayer actually lowers your heart rate. Share prayer requests among your family and friends. This will help you become acquainted with each other's daily tasks, friendships and struggles so that you may encourage and pray for each other (Philippians 2:1-4, see also James 5:16).

Continually giving of our time, energy and very selves, we are certainly reflecting Jesus' servant heart. But in receiving, we acknowledge that ultimately we are NOT God; we allow God to be God and ourselves to be God's children. Salvation comes only by the grace of God through Jesus Christ; so also by the grace of God through Christ, we open our hands to the additional blessings of God (Matthew 6:33).

What additional blessings can you receive today?

Photo of Heather Scheiwe Heather Scheiwe is a member of Peace Lutheran Church, Fort Collins, CO. She graduated from St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN, and currently lives in Minneapolis, MN. Heather serves as managing editor of Alive Magazine, a Christian publication written by and for teenage and young women.