Is it always more blessed to give than to receive?

This morning's devotions had me thinking, really considering again the old adage, 'Tis more blessed to give than to receive.'

Sarah Young here suggests that receptivity and attentiveness are two of the most important things we need to truly become closer to God. Young writes, "Receptivity is opening up your innermost being to be filled with My abundant riches. Attentiveness is directing your gaze to Me: searching for Me in all your moments." (p. 91). She further writes that "God searches for people who are able to receive in full measure." (p. 91)

Are we able to receive in full measure all that God is pouring out into our lives? Are we receptive and attentive to Him, or are we closed off and focused on so many other things?

The Bible echoes these sentiments of the importance of receiving God:

"I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." (Mark 10:15)

and being attentive to God:

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." (Isaiah 26:3)

I wonder whether another appropriate name for devotions could be 'centering'. We come to God in the morning to 'center' our minds and hearts on Him, opening ourselves up to the way He is leading us, expecting to receive in abundance and be led in His direction.

I pray that we may all openly receive and whole-heartedly seek God in this day.