Have you ever considered the blessings from God in your life? In the USA we just celebrated Thanksgiving; our minds are focused on recognizing the blessings of life.
A blessing is defined as 1) approval that allows or helps you to do something 2) help and approval from God 3) something that helps you or brings happiness. So often that last definition comes to mind when thinking about a blessing, but I have been considering how God provides blessings in my life apart from the possessions I have or how happy I am. God’s word says that I’m blessed: Jesus said, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed. Those who believe without seeing are blessed”. (John 20:29) But how exactly has God blessed me?
Blessings from God in My Life
1. I have peace with God. John 14:27 tells me “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” That is a great comfort to me. Life can get crazy! Just tune into any media source and you can watch the world going mad. That is anything but peaceful. But Jesus has given me his peace. I do not have to get caught in the hurricane of life.
2. My spirit is not fearful. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2Timothy 1:7) By nature it is easy for me to worry. I often struggle to see my glass as half full instead of half empty. Yet as a follower of Christ I have a new spirit. Do I recognize this blessing? Of course there will be times when I am afraid, but I do not have to be afraid. I can recognize that God is in control and He is with me always.
3. I am strong. God gives me the inner strength to accomplish the things that need to be done. Philippians 4:13 says, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” I may not always know what to do or how to do everything in my life, but I don’t have to know. I am able to rely on God’s Holy Spirit for guidance. This is a great weight off my shoulders.
4. I am reconciled to God. Romans 5:10 tells me, “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” I remember when I began to realize that I did not have a relationship with my own creator. I felt a great sadness because of that separation.
As my relationship with Christ continues to grow, I have come to recognize that this relationship has brought me:
- Acceptance: “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” (Ephesians 1:6)
- Forgiveness: “And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.” (Luke 7:48) “I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.” (1 John 2:12)
- Justification: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1)
- Eternal Love: “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-3)
Taking the time to focus on and recognize the blessings in my life, apart from my possessions has been eye opening. I realize not only what true blessings are, but how they are manifesting everyday.
What about you? Are recognizing the blessings from God in your own life?