by David Scott Robertson
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17 NIV).
The next time you begin to thank God for all that He’s done for you --
For all the simple pleasures,
And all the complex pleasures,
Remember to thank Him for all the hidden pleasures and treasures too.
Hidden pleasures and treasures are invisible.
One example is behind-the-scenes angelic activity that --
More often than we realize --
Prevents unseen spiritual warfare against us from manifesting into tragic reality.
Take the case of a loved one who miraculously and narrowly escapes a potentially fatal accident.
They never saw it coming - they never saw it going.
In fact, they were completely oblivious to the whole thing.
Nonetheless it happened –
A combat situation between angels and demons transpired and both sides paid a price.
This is a hidden pleasure and treasure.
They exist as a thousand other manifestations of the grace of God operating in our lives.
Hidden pleasures and treasures are, quite simply,
Those unknown blessings that the Lord God orders, orchestrates and arranges on our behalf
For no other reason than to add value, safety, enjoyment, or meet needs in our lives.
And we are unaware of all of them because they are hidden.
But I assure you they are there.
It would be impossible to do the math,
But could it be
That for every one thing we see and notice and observe in our lives that are grace gifts from God,
That there are dozens, hundreds, perhaps even thousands
Of other hidden pleasures and treasures that we do not see and observe and notice?
My faith thinks so.
With this thought in mind I want to end with a prayer of thanksgiving
(And if you agree with it say “amen” out loud at the end):
“Thank You, Lord, for all the hidden pleasures and treasures that You have lavished on me.
I appreciate them and You with all my heart.
Give me an attitude of gratitude to discern more each day
The unfathomable riches of your grace to us who believe. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
DSR
7/15/02