the blessed

Often in our prayers [both public and private] we thank God for “the many blessings of life”. Perhaps we do so without actually considering the blessings we have received from God. I fear that all too often when we thank God for “the blessings of life” we are only considering the physical things we are blessed with and do not even think of the abundance of spiritual blessings we have received from God. I am writing this article to help us consider what we are giving thanks to God for.

Are you offended when you are called a Christian? Jesus said. "And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me." (Mat 11:6). Do you feel honored when you are recognized as a Christian. Friends, we are blessed just by believing; (Luke 1:45) “And blessed is she that believed:” The greatest blessing we will ever receive is the forgiveness of our sins: (Rom 4:7) “Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered."

Do you like to be chastened? Not many of us enjoy being chastened, however, when God chastens us it is a blessing: (Psa 94:12) “Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;" Be assured God does chasten us through His Word today. The only way that we can find pleasure in being chastened by God is to consider that He is chastening us for our own Good!

Do you trust God? If you do you are blessed: (Psa 34:8) “blessed is the man that trusteth in him." As the song suggests we are not only to trust God we also obey Him. Do you fear God? If you do you are blessed: (Psa 128:1) “Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways." Notice what those who fear the Lord do; they “walk in His ways”. That is obedience!

Have you considered the blessing we have in being able to hear? (Luke 11:28) "But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it." Notice again the obedience that is required of those who are blessed by be able to hear.

Are you offended when someone gives you a commandment? We should feel blessed at God’s commandments: (Psa 112:1) “Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments."

Yes indeed our blessings from God are many. But the material blessings we have are actually very pale in comparison to the many spiritual blessings we receive from God. Spiritual blessings last for all eternity. So when we pray and give God thanks for our “many blessings” may we keep in our thoughts the spiritual blessings?