Greater is the Giver

In just a few short weeks, families and friends will gather, food will be shared, football and parades will be viewed, and hopefully, thanks will be given. Like many families, I can long recall the tradition of going around the table while each person shares what he or she is thankful for that year. For most of us, our gratitude will be directed toward the many blessings in our lives — family, friends, resources, experiences, etc. It is good and right that we acknowledge and show gratitude for the many gifts that God gives us. But how many of us will simply say we are thankful for God? 

God is far more glorious than any of His gifts. And while it would be wrong not to lift up these good gifts in praise, I think we can miss the mark of true gratitude when our thanks for the gift doesn’t lead us to the real prize — worship and adoration of the Giver. ​

This is an important distinction. If we miss this, it will be easy to start believing the subtle but dangerous lie that God’s goodness hinges on the blessings He gives. If that were true, and every outward blessing disappeared, God would no longer be good. In this way, we can unknowingly define God’s goodness by His gifts rather than by who He is. God’s nature is not contingent upon His generosity or based on His gifts; it is simply who He is.

Consider the story of Job. It demonstrates that God’s goodness is not defined by a lack of suffering or the presence of numerous blessings. Rather, in Job’s story, we see that it is God who is the gift — His presence, sovereignty, justice, and mercy, even when His purposes are beyond our understanding. This is why Job could confidently say, ​

"The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). 

Even after losing all of his children and possessions, Job's immediate response reveals an unwavering belief in God’s unchanging goodness. Job worships God as good without any external gifts to act as evidence. 

Yes, God expresses His goodness through blessings and gifts, but they are not the source of His goodness. God is good because He is God. God’s goodness comes from His character.
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I don’t know about you, but I am embarrassed to think about how little I thank God for just being God. I get distracted by the blessings He has given me. I am often like a child at Christmas who gets a shiny new thing, gives a cursory thanks to his parents, but his heart’s affections are wrapped up in the gift, not the giver. 

Our God is far more wonderful than His gifts. When my gratitude is based only on the gifts, I place myself at the center of my joy. My gratitude will then ebb and flow with the tide of my circumstances. But if I want to know goodness and experience abiding joy truly, I must lift my eyes to the One who is goodness and beauty Himself. ​

This is the sentiment behind Paul’s words in Philippians 4:11-13 when he says,

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.”

Not only did Paul live a life without most earthly comforts and blessings, but he also faced innumerable hardships. And yet, he was grateful and content. Why? Because he belonged to God. God was his gift. ​

In his book, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, Jeremiah Burroughs captures this truth when he writes,

“Christian, how did you enjoy comfort before? Was the creature anything to you but a conduit, a pipe, that conveyed God's goodness to you? 'The pipe is cut off,' says God, 'Come to Me, the fountain, and drink immediately.' Though the beams are taken away, yet the sun remains the same in the firmament as ever it was.” 

May this be our heart’s cry! Let our affections not simply be for the water alone, but for the Fount itself! ​

It is good and right that we will take time this Thanksgiving season to count our blessings. We ought to take stock of the evidence of God’s goodness and provision in our lives. But let that gratitude drive us further to the worship and adoration of our great God! Savor Him more than the gifts. Let us not be content to jump in the rain puddles of our blessings when we can swim in the oceans of God’s goodness! ​

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!" Psalm 34:8

When was the last time your gratitude focused not on what God has given you—but simply on who He is?

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A Thanksgiving Table Reflection

We gather ‘round the table, hearts warm and full of grace,
A harvest spread before us, love shining in each face.
One by one, the voices rise, a sacred kind of song,
As thanks are shared for blessings—each story short or long.

​“I’m thankful for my healing,” one smiles through joyful tears,
“For strength restored and mercy shown throughout the passing years.”
Another lifts a grateful heart for work that’s come anew,
“For purpose in the daylight and what my hands can do.”

“I’m thankful for new love,” says one, “a tender gift so sweet,”
“God knit our paths together—His timing is complete.”
A mother softly whispers, “For my baby’s cry of grace,
A brand-new life, a miracle, I see God’s tender face.”

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The elder smiles with peaceful eyes, “Retirement has begun,
A slower pace, a gentler path beneath the setting sun.”
And others share of blessings—both simple and profound,
Of family, faith, and friendships where God’s goodness can be found.

Then silence settles softly, all eyes now turn to me,
My heart is full, yet words feel small beside such melody.
I pause, then humbly whisper what my soul’s been longing for:
“I’m thankful—not just for His gifts—but for my God and more.”

I’m thankful for a steadfast God—unchanging, always true,
A trustworthy Redeemer whose mercies are made new.
A perfect, loving Father who knows my every need,
An all-sufficient Savior, my Shepherd who will lead.

He’s Almighty in His power, yet gentle when I fall,
A pursuing God who finds me and loves me through it all.
My forever Friend, reliable, who bears my every care,
Inviting me to come to Him—to rest, to trust, to share.

He’s gracious and attentive, the Bread that gives me life,
My extra Parent in the storms, my peace in every strife.
Compassionate and faithful, accepting and so kind,
An empathetic Father with mercy intertwined.

My Rock, my Hiding Place, my Hope that will not fade,
A loving, welcoming God whose glory won’t be swayed.
Amazing, awe-inspiring—no words can quite convey,
The wonder of just knowing Him, the reason that I pray.

So when my turn comes ‘round the table, I’ll say it from the start:
“I’m thankful most for who God is—and that He owns my heart.”
For gifts may come and seasons change, yet this remains so clear--
The greatest blessing of them all is simply God is here."

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