To be blessed means to be consecrated, set apart, and highly favored. When God blesses you, He does not leave anything out. It is more than personal happiness, wealth or well-being. He sees His flock as holy, chosen by Him to be a peculiar people, high above all nations in praise, in name and in honor! (Deut. 26: 18-19) In other words, His blessings are designed to make you stand out from those who do not know Him! What makes you peculiar is that you are chosen to be a royal, holy priest for Him. In this role you are to be a blessing, not only to those around you but first and foremost to Him, who has called you out of darkness into His glorious light! (1 Pet. 3:9). Blessings, therefore, depend upon your obedience to God and being a blessing to Him and others. First, you must obey His voice and keep His commandments. (Ex. 16:5-6) In order to hear His voice and be able to distinguish it from all other voices you must know Him and acknowledge Him as lord over your life. His law will then be written on the tablets of your heart, and you will be in a position where blessings shall actually overtake you. Yes! They will not only follow you but run out ahead of you, waiting for you to receive them! What kind of blessings? You will be blessed whether you live in the city or on the land; your family and livestock will be fruitful; you will always have more than enough food and supplies whether at home or far away. Your enemies will be defeated, and everything you set your hand to will be blessed. Yes, everyone will sense that you are His and that they should have respect for you. Furthermore, you will have many possessions; you will lend and not borrow, and you will not be oppressed but rise above every situation that comes your way. (Deut. 28:1-13) King David was the perfect example of giving and receiving blessings. I love Psalm 63, where he tells God how his soul thirsts for Him and seeks Him first thing in the morning. David describes the world without God as a dry and thirsty land where no water is. He longs to see Gods glory and power! He describes Gods blessings as lovingkindness, that are better than life itself! He tells God that: Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me. (ps. 63:7) Its such a beautiful depiction of how we are to adore Him, as David did, blessing Him with our lips, giving Him our heartfelt thanks even before we receive anything from Him! In Proverbs 8 17-21 it is as if the Lord answers David: I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches add righteousness. My fruit is better than gold; and my revenue than choice silver. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment; that I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. Be on the look-out for your share of blessings. They are ready to overtake you! Expect them, thank Him for them, and position yourself mentally, emotionally and physically to receive them. "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Mat. 6:33) |
