January 15, 2023
“I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you.” Genesis 12:3
“Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, Who walks in His ways.” Psalm 128:1
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12
There is a common phrase that I hear periodically mainly in spiritual arenas that says, “I am too blessed to be stressed.” Every time I would hear the phrase, I was not sure how I really felt about it. How do feel about, the phrase “too blessed to be stressed?” It sounds good, however, what does it really mean? So, are you saying, “If I am stressed, then I am not blessed?” Hmmm! Stress is a part of life, and I don’t want to burst your bubble, I’m pretty sure that my God would never tell me that.
The reality is, we all get stressed. Life is full of stressors and we all experience periods of anxiety. Stress is a normal and reoccurring emotion. A degree of stress is actually beneficial. Many of us experience stress more frequently than others based on our lives and responsibilities, and yet, I see the many incredible ways God’s blessings are flowing in our day-to-day life.
Maybe the question should be, “What are the qualities in your life that bring God’s blessings, and what responsibilities come with receiving God’s blessings?” Blessings is not a one-way street. Blessings have to do with both giving and receiving. When many think of “Blessings” it is all about receiving! We don’t talk much today about blessing others, but it was a vital part of life in Bible times.
What Does The Word of God have to say about BLESSINGS?
Again, Blessings have to do with both giving and receiving. It meant to praise them, to pray for them, and to commit them to God’s care. It also meant to dedicate and challenge them to live forever committed to God; it was a challenge to keep hold of spiritual things. It was a call for abundance and prosperity for another. And it was also a way of officially passing on the family inheritance. Ephesians 3:16-19 says “I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” (NLT)
Wishes for a rich and abundant life were inherent in a blessing, although not always abundance in a material sense. God was recognized as the ultimate source of blessing, and the person blessed would walk with the Lord and receive His benefits. To receive God’s blessing meant not only to enjoy innumerable tangible gifts (life, joy, peace, abundance, children, home, reputation, health, freedom, work, food, etc.) but in a much deeper way to be welcomed into a special relationship with Him, a relationship to be affirmed and practiced. Part of this, in turn, means being a blessing to others, a way of saying we have been a godly help to others.
So, What are the qualities in your life that bring God’s BLESSINGS?
A life that is focused on God brings joy to God and many blessings to you. Blessings from God come to those who trust and obey HIM. Blessings are not merely words spoken, but a special relationship offered by God.
Psalm 128:1. ” Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, Who walks in His ways.”
Psalm 146:5. “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God.”
Jeremiah 17:7. “Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.”
Also, What Responsibilities Comes With Receiving God’s BLESSINGS?
As God prospers us, we are to share that prosperity in our giving. Receiving and giving go hand in hand. We must remember to receive God’s richest blessing and favor is an invitation and obligation to do our part in investing in the lives of others as well as ourselves for God’s Glory.
The Priestly BLESSING in Numbers 6:22-26 is also a Hopeful Prayer
“Then the Lord said to Moses, Tell Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing: May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you His favor and give you, His peace.” (NLT)
It also describes a BLESSING. A Blessing was one way of asking for God’s divine favor to rest upon others. The ancient blessing in these verses helps us understand what a blessing was supposed to do.
Its five parts conveyed hope that God would:
~ bless and keep them (bless and protect)
~ make his face shine upon them (smile)
~ be gracious
~ turn his face toward them (show his favor)
~ give peace.
When you ask God to bless others or ourselves, you are asking Him to do these five things. The blessing you offer will not only help the one receiving it, but it will also demonstrate love, and encouragement, and provide a model of caring to others.
Rx: A GIVING 
HEART: Blessings can make us forget God. Be careful that you don’t become so comfortable that you forget the God who gave you all you have. Deuteronomy 6:11-12 says, “The houses will be richly stocked with goods you did not produce. You will draw water from cisterns you did not dig, and you will eat from vineyards and olive trees you did not plant. When you have eaten your fill in this land, be careful not to forget the Lord, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt.” (NLT)
FATHER GOD, Thank You for Your Word that teaches us how to live! Help us to always remember that blessings are not a one-way street but, it is giving and receiving. Help us to pray for our enemies as You have commanded. Help us to also remember when we are looking to God for His blessings, we need to first check our hearts, in the Precious, Powerful and Preeminent Name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Amen.
