Scripture reading: Psalm 84

The Gift

 Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)

 

Once upon a time a young man named David completed his college education. As the day of graduation approached his proud father said to him, “As a graduation gift, I’ll give you anything your heart desires.” “Really?” David replied in amazement. “Would you get me that Shelby GT 350 Mustang in the showroom window of the Ford dealership downtown . . . the red one with the white racing stripes?”

The big day finally arrived, and David received his diploma. After the family came home after the graduation ceremony, the father called David aside and said, “Son, I have a special gift for you.” Reaching into his desk drawer, he took out a beautifully wrapped present. Anticipating that he would find a set of car keys inside the box, David eagerly tore off the paper. All he found was a new Bible! His disappointment quickly turned to anger. “That’s my graduation present? A Bible? What kind of gift is that? I asked for a car!” Throwing down the Bible, David stormed out of the house. “I never want to see you again!” he shouted over his shoulder.

True to his word, David broke off all contact with home. Though he knew how much the separation pained his father, he refused to restore the relationship, imagining that his behavior was justified by the disappointing gift he had received. Many years passed. David got a job, married, and had children. Though he knew his father was growing old and declining in health, he stubbornly kept his distance. One day David received a phone call informing him that his father had died.

Returning home for the funeral, David was overcome with grief as he entered the house where he had been raised. A flood of memories filled his mind as the guilt of what he had done gripped his heart. What a foolish son he had been. As he walked through the living room, he noticed a Bible on his father’s desk. It was the

1 I have heard several variations of this story in anecdotal form but have no clue where to find the original nor to whom credit should be given. Many of the details in this story are of my own invention, but the overall message remains the same as I first heard it many years ago.

Bible he had been given so many years ago! It was still in its original box as if his father had been waiting all these years for him to return and claim his gift. Picking up the sacred Book, David wept as he thumbed through the pages. To his surprise, he found a bulky envelope tucked inside. It was from the local Ford dealership and had his name written in large letters across the front. With trembling hands he opened the sealed envelope. Inside was a set of car keys and a short note. Dated the day of his graduation so many years earlier, the note simply said: “For my son David. I’m so proud of you. Enjoy your new Mustang. Paid in full! Psalm 37:4. Love, Dad.”

Dear friend, I share this old story not to encourage you to ask God for a Shelby GT 350 Mustang. Rather, I share it to encourage you to realize that all your true treasures are found in God and in his life-giving Word! If you delight yourself in the Lord, he will indeed give you the desires of your heart. No good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless (Psalm 84:11).

 

God always give his best to those who leave the choice with him.

—Jim Elliot

 

point to ponder • Which do you love more: God’s gifts, or God?

prayer focus • That God would fill you with a spirit of gratitude.