I remember opening the cards I received for my college graduation. As I opened each card, I hurriedly checked for checks or cash and flung the cards in the “to be read later” pile. My excitement about the gifts had overtaken me so much that where I didn’t care about the people who gave me the gifts and what they wanted to speak into my life.
There’s something magical about receiving presents. Knowing that someone took the time to consider you and your needs or likes is humbling. But imagine giving a present to someone you love and being shunned/pushed away. Imagine the disappointment and hurt you would feel knowing that your loved one was simply interested in the present as opposed to having a genuine interest in your relationship. And if we are honest, sometimes this is just how we react to God. We desire the gifts from Him more than we desire God.
We pray and ask God to bless us, to guide us, to make provisions for us. And when he does open a path for us, we neglect his presence and start focusing on the gift. We have our hands open to receive, but our hearts are closed to His Word, His instruction, His voice. We love the gifts, but don’t want much to do with the Giver.
And often, though we may not want to admit it, this reveals the true nature of our heart — self-centered. But God desires much more from us. Getting presents is always more meaningful if we have a relationship with the giver of the gift. The gift means that much more and can be appreciated because of the connection shared between the one who gives and the one who receives. May we always seek the Gift Giver and not simply His gifts. May we yearn for a relationship with the Father more than we desire what He holds in His hand.
O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1
Lord, forgive me for the times when I have put the gift, or my desire for the gift above my desire for You and Your presence. Fill me with a heart that wants you more than any gift or any prayer You can answer.
