A few years ago, I had the opportunity to visit the amazing Palace of Versailles in France. This was the center of power and the Palace of French Kings and Royalty for about 100 years in the 1600 and 1700’s.

It is very difficult to appreciate the scale of this Palace, and the wealth it demonstrates. The palace is over 700,000 square feet, with 700 rooms, amazing architecture, and spectacular art throughout. It has it’s own “chapel” that looks like a cathedral inside. The Palace is on a couple thousand acres of manicured gardens, precisely oriented lakes, with ancient statues lining the walkways. It is hard to believe that this was someone’s property, and residence.

I think about this Palace when reading Luke 12:32, where Jesus says, “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.”

I realize that Jesus is not referring to an earthly kingdom, but to a heavenly kingdom. We know, however, that no earthly kingdom or wealth can compare to the the value of the heavenly kingdom, and Jesus is telling us God takes pleasure in giving this to us.

When we are in need of the simple necessities, or even those special things we hope for, we should remember that God loves us enough to give us this most valuable of all gifts. We can be sure he will provide us everything we need in life as well.

Dear Lord, you know our every need, hope and desire. Help us remember that you care about us enough to give us the most valuable thing, our salvation, we can be sure you can give us our other needs as well. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.