“The Lord delights in giving good gifts to his children.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 16, 2025
You have put gladness in my heart, More than in the season that their grain and wine increased. Psalm 4:7, NKJV
Temperamentally, I can easily default to a “glass half empty” view of the world. I’ve always said that I’m a realist, not a pessimist, yet if I’m honest, my “realism” lacks the joy and delight in the goodness of God’s creation that I long to encounter and experience in full and meaningful ways. It has, at times, kept me from being present in the moment to those I love, and has kept me from fully appreciating seasons of God’s abundant favor and provision in my life.
“Yes, but…” can summarize much of my view of the world. Yes this is a great job, but what if the company can’t turn a profit in the future? Yes our home is an incredible blessing, but look at all the repairs it needs. Yes our children are being raised in a wonderful Christian environment, but what if they don’t hold to the faith as they grow older?
You get the idea. We could go on and on, and I imagine you have your own list of “yes, but…” scenarios. In truth, all of these reveal a foundational belief that I am the one who controls the details of my life. They are rooted in a vision of the world that says future security, financial provision, or family harmony are entirely upon my own shoulders.
I long for the unshakable gladness that we find in Psalm 4:7. It is a joy that transcends financial provision and material abundance, happiness above and beyond the increase of grain and wine. This is a joy that you and I cannot create or fabricate, for we are never its source. “You have put gladness in my heart.” Gladness that cannot be shaken originates with the Lord and can only come from him.
If you struggle to see the goodness and blessings in your life, this is natural. You need something supernatural, a divine blessing that enables you to receive every moment and every season as a profound gift of love from our Father in heaven. Ask the Lord today to put gladness in your heart, and trust that he delights in giving good gifts to his children.
Prayer
Father, give us the gift of gladness today, established deep within our hearts so that it can never be shaken or stolen away, we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Application
Ask the Lord in prayer today for an increase in gladness and joy, that you may be able to receive life as a gift and offer it back to the Lord in thanksgiving.
Related Reading
Psalm 16:11; Matthew 6:31-33; Philippians 4:6-7
Worship Resource
Jenn Johnson: Goodness of God
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