STEP SIX
Remember Your Father’s Gifts
Read the verse in this step very carefully. It’s amazing. Read it again and again. The Bible says here that everything good in your life comes from God the Father. Even people who don’t believe in God experience his gifts and his kindness every day (Matthew 5:45). Whether we believe in him doesn’t change whether he exists, nor does it change whether he shows us kindness in this life—he just is kind, and can’t help showering us with goodness.
We express love by giving gifts. Receiving gifts often knits our hearts a little closer to the gift-giver. It might be easier to see that God loves you if you thoughtfully consider the gifts he has given to you. Now, don’t just think of stuff. Remember, the verse says everything good comes from God.
Eyesight is good, the colors outside are good, candy is good, swimming pools are good, friends are good, the ability to walk is good. There are an infinite number of things we could think of! God’s gifts to us have no limit.
BIBLE STUDY
James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
(English Standard Version)
ACTION STEP
Take Step Six
- Think: How has God been good to you? What things do you enjoy? Put the hurt, the mess, the bad all aside. Choose to direct your attention to something else today. What makes you happy? What are your favorite things, people, places, experiences in life?
- Make a list. The bigger the better. Write down all the gifts your Heavenly Father has given you.
- Thank your Heavenly Father for each one. Try to see those good things as gifts, from him to you. Thank him for his love for you.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to see your Father’s goodness more and more each day.
BIBLES.NET RESOURCES
Find More Hope from God’s Word
When Your Parents Divorce
Few things are more painful. It’s only normal to feel broken. But there's hope held out to you in God's Word.
WATCH A DOCUMENTARY
“Show Me the Father”
Do you want something to watch on your next free evening? Everyone has a father story. Our view of our earthly dads often taints our view of God. Yet God wants to be our Father. This documentary tells an incredible story of redemption, but also helps you see from God’s Word how God desires to be your Father.
WATCH A MOVIE
“Overcomer”
Do you struggle with your identity? “Who am I?” The main characters in this movie ask the same question. This inspiring story will not only entertain you, but provide you with an answer to that question.
SONG EXPLANATION
Be Kind to Yourself
Hear what singer/songwriter Andrew Peterson learned about our Heavenly Father, and how it shaped his song, “Be Kind to Yourself.”
A PLAYLIST
FOR YOU
Ask your Heavenly Father to sing over you, as you listen.
We tried to pick something from every genre, so that you can choose the style you like best. These songs also are based on truths from the Bible, they’re not just these artists’ ideas about God. You can look up the songs however you like, or click the button at the end of the playlist to see the playlist on Spotify.
by Andrew Peterson | Folk
by Skye Peterson | Folk
by Jon Thurlow | Chill & Relaxing
by Leeland | Pop
by Mark Schultz | 70s, 80s, 90s
by Hillsong Worship | Praise & Worship
by Ellie Holcomb | Chill & Relaxing
by Keith and Kristyn Getty | Lullaby
by Clay Finnesand | Praise & Worship
by Andrew Peterson | Folk
by Phil Wickham | Pop
by The Worship Initiative | Praise & Worship