Gifts

You’re a good good Father…

This song by Chris Tomlin has been a favourite of mine lately.

It is not musically sophisticated. 4:4 time. The first six measures sit on a G major chord (I). Then it moves to C major (IV), to A minor (ii) and then to D major (V) right before the chorus. A fairly common I – IV – ii – V progression. Very much in keeping with the rules of the harmonic “bug”. The chorus plays a similar progression: IV – I – ii – V ( apparently ii chords are Mr. Tomlin’s favourite minor crunch). And so on and so forth…pretty simple, but aesthetically pleasing. (For anyone who is learning to play guitar, this is a great worship song to add to your repertoire.)
Even in its simplicity, this song has a lilting tempo and a very calming tone. The gentle harmonic build in the last two chords of the verse lead flawlessly into the first line of the chorus…

“You’re a good good Father.”

Whenever I hear this line in this song, it causes me to pause, smile and receive.
What do I receive, you may be wondering? Well, I would say, go listen to the song and see if you catch the gift…
But since you are reading this (and since I am writing it) I guess I had better tell you.
I receive a quiet gift. In my mind I picture a box wrapped in sparkly paper and tied with a bow (usually pink, for some reason). When I open it, light comes out of it. But what the light represents is not merely light. It is a gift of peace, of love and assurance.

“You’re a good good father.”

Amy, “be still and know that I AM…”*

And what is He? He is. He is the very essence of Being.
And in that, He is a good Father. So good, in fact, that He deserves two goods (well done, Mr. Tomlin). This title is not merely a name we have for God; it is a statement that reveals His character. He is a good good Father. He loves us. He takes care of us. He delights in us — not because we do anything to deserve His delight. Just because that is who He is. And that is where our identity lies; in the fact that we are loved by Him.

The Lord has shown me His Fatherliness in a special way in the last week. I have seen His gift giving side. As I have gone for coffee with a friend, chatted with a classmate, and discussed John 13 with my Bible study group, I have heard and seen testimonies of God’s generosity at work. He provides. He bestows gifts on us that we do not deserve. He knows how to give gifts at the right time, when His children are ready to receive them. And sometimes He gives gifts that we are not even expecting. All of the gifts I have seen and heard Him give this week have been answers to prayer. He has flooded humble hearts with rejoicing. In His almighty power and extravagant love He has broken chains of bondage and granted freedom to the ones He loves.

I often forget that God is a good Father. This week has caused me to wonder, what good gifts does my Father desire to give me? and am I in a disposition to receive them well?

But receiving gifts from Him is not the point.
The point is that He is good.

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

~ Matthew 7:11 ~

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*Psalm 46:10