Seeing Your Blessings
Seeing Your Blessings
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! (Psalm 34:8)
The Greek word often translated as “blessed” is makarios, which means “fortunate,” “happy,” “enlarged,” or “lengthy.” I’ve often heard people say “God has blessed me with…” and it ends with material things. And while God can certainly blesses us in this way, I’ve often wondered what people think during the hard times. Do they still consider themselves blessed?
Being blessed is a spiritual state of well being and yes, prosperity; a deeper contentment and joy especially during the hard times. Paul states in Philippians 4:10-13:
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Paul learned how to be content no matter what was going on around him and with him. Could we consider Paul blessed though he went through much turmoil. Yes! The Lord was with him in times of plenty and in times of want.
I’ve learned to see blessings in every area of my life be it in the good changes within myself, my family, or even in something small that meant much to me. Last summer I spent all summer searching for two particular plants on my land. Ken had removed one of them off our land figuring it was a nuisance. Both could be used medicinally and one was very nutritious. One day towards the end of summer Ken had told me to go out to the garden and look in the small raised garden I had planted a few strawberries plants in. I don’t know where my strawberries went, but this garden was full of one of the plants I had been looking for! About two months later, he told me to look in one of my barrels I had planted a few more strawberries in. When I looked, I found the other plant I had been looking for. Yes, they were definitely strawberries I had planted lol. Yet, to find these plants brought me great joy and I considered it a blessing.
Blessings come in many forms, not just material (money, vehicles, technology, houses, etc). They can be seen in someones healing be it physical or spiritual, overcoming an addiction, a restored relationship with a loved one, safe travels, having food to eat each day, a place to lay down our heads each night, a provision in time of need, a visit from friends and family, watching the sunrise or set, etc.
Sometimes our situations prevent us from seeing those blessings because they distract us and make it difficult for us to see clearly. However, those blessings are there. You may not be able to pay a bill but you have food to eat. You may have an illness, but you are able to get up each day and spend time with your family. You may be disconnected or separated from a loved one due to your differences, but you wake up each day with another chance to make amends.
Sometimes it can be hard to see our blessings because our focus is on our problem. Today, spend some time with the Lord and ask Him to show you your blessings He has given to you. They are there.
Lord, I know you love me, but at this time I am unable to see your blessing in my life. My problem seems to big and makes it difficult for me to see the blessings. I ask Lord for you to show me those blessings so I can remember them throughout my problem until You resolve it for me. I want to be content in every situation. Give me a double portion of faith and trust in You so my faith can be bigger than my fear; so my faith can be bigger than my problem and I see You rather than my problem. I ask this in Jesus name…Amen.