Blessing. It’s not that big of a word but do we really understand what God is talking about when He promised to bless us? Let’s Explore.
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will:
To the faithful saints in Christ Jesus at Ephesus.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
God’s Rich Blessings
Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ. For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him. He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One.
In him, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.
Ephesians 1:1-7
A form of the word “bless” is used three times in this scripture. What are their meanings? (vs. 3)
To “bless the Lord” means to praise, exalt, and worship Him. We offer God our blessing because He is worthy. The Lord deserves our praise for many reasons. The Psalms tell us to praise Him for His counsel (Psalm 16:7), His holiness (Psalm 103:1), His dominion over everything (Psalm 103:22), and His honor and majesty (Psalm 104:1).
However, God blesses us even though we deserve nothing by His mercy and grace.
Our blessing on Him is done out of gratefulness for what He has done for us. He is truly worthy of praise.
Our Purpose in Life
Our main purpose in life is to praise God. But our sinfulness separates us from Him. God knew in advance that we would go the way of sin. In mercy, He chose to provide a way for anyone who believes. (John3:16)
Hallelujah! He made a way for us. These spiritual blessings in heavenly places are the blessings that make us right with God; salvation, forgiveness, holiness, adoption, and redemption. These blessings come from heaven through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. (James 1:17)
Our Initial Thoughts on Blessings
When we speak of blessings, we often mention the good things God has given, like a job, health, or money.
However, initially, shouldn’t our praise go to the Lord for His spiritual blessings?
Blessings in Trials
When I first became ill, my son introduced me to a song by Laura Story, Blessings. Laura and her husband went through very trying times when her husband had a brain tumor. Though his life was saved by removing the tumor, his memory and some physical functions were lost. In seeking God, she realized that sometimes an unpleasant situation can be a blessing.
In my experience, my poor health caused a loss of “everything”: our job, finances, and even a place to live. But God was pointing us in a new direction. I turned my focus away from my illness and back onto Him. Before I knew it, I started a blog and began to write for the glory of God and to encourage others. (I never expected to write anything!) I found my true blessing as David did,
“It was good for me to be afflicted. So that I could learn your statutes. Instruction from your lips is better for me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.”
Psalm 119:70-71
What Blessings Have You Received From God?
Would love to know how God is blessing you. Have you seen a blessing in your troubles? Please share in the comments.
Laura’s Story Behind the Song
Blessings ~ the Song
Other Big Christian Words
What is Holiness? ~ Big Christian Word Series
What is Spiritual Adoption: Big Christian Word Series
What is Redemption
*Excerpted from Mandy’s contribution to Gracefully Truthful
Pastor’s Wife (retired) & Chronic Pain Warrior blogs about how to make it through anything by relating her own life experiences to her writing. She is passionate about her love for the Lord and desires to spread that passion to others. She has a great desire to encourage women who are following behind her.
