Out of

 "Oh for the good old days when people would stop Christmas shopping when they ran out of money.” (Anonymous)

During the holiday season, people will turn crazy as they go to great lengths to find the most meaningful, perfect gifts for those they care about.  I often wonder during the year if we treat our heavenly Father a lot like Santa Clause. Our logic often is that if God is good, and cares about us, He will provide us with whatever we ask for in prayer (as soon as we ask for it).

We all know that God doesn’t work according to our expectations of Him. If your request of your heavenly Father is deemed to be harmful to your emotional, physical, or spiritual well-being, chances are very good that there will be no divine delivery by God of what you asked for of Him.

No song better explains what I’m talking about than Babbie Mason’s “Shopping List.” Read the lyrics below, and see if you can get the general idea of what I was talking about:

Lord, I need to talk to You
There's so much on my heart
So many burdens make it hard
And I don't know where to start
I thank You for my family
Your mercy and Your love
Now on to more important things
I’ll give my magic lamp a rub

Chorus

So gimme this, I want that
Bless me, Lord, I pray
Grant me what I think I need
To make another day
Make me wealthy, keep me healthy
Fill in what I miss
On my never-ending shopping list

Lord, You've been so good to me
How could I ask for more?
But since You said to ask, I will
'Cause what else is prayer for?
The cattle on a thousand hills
They belong to You
I don't need any cows right now
But something else will do

Chorus

Well I've made my list and I've checked it twice
And if I get it all, it would sure be nice
I want a nice white smile on a perfect face
And some perfect hair that's gonna stay in place
I want a smaller nose and a single chin
And a figure like a perfect ten
I want some kids that never yell and scream
And some hips that fit into designer jeans
I want a brand new house with a heated pool
I can use them, Lord, for a witnessing tool
Now I want a color TV and a VCR
And some "Jesus" plates on a brand new car.

Chorus (twice)

 

Lord, please bless my shopping list
Amen.

 

Everytime you get something good from God, you can be assured that He wanted you to have it, and He loves you by providing it for you. (You did not force Him to do it.) James 1:17 (ERV) says: Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same. It never hurts to ask your Heavenly Father for a need, but be open to His answer (yes, no, later) because He always knows what is best for you. Trust His divine wisdom.