Experiencing God's Presence #239

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.

Numbers 6:24-26

We often think of blessings as nice words, a “best wishes” sentiment appropriate for greeting cards and special occasions. But from a biblical perspective, a blessing is much more than a happy thought, and spoken words are much more than just words. Words—and especially words spoken in a blessing, curse, or prophetic declaration—carry a lot of weight. They are tangible expressions that shape reality.

In light of that perspective, it makes sense that God would tell His people to pronounce blessings on each other. A blessing like Aaron’s in Numbers 6 sets people up to encounter God. It invokes Him for His protection, His favor, and even His smile. It appeals to His grace. And it promises His shalom.

If you want to upgrade your sense of God’s Presence, try blessing others. Ask God to bless them and, when appropriate, pronounce a blessing on them. God’s favor and shalom will increase in their lives, and it will also increase in yours. A blessing can create a pathway into someone’s life for fullness, completeness, abundance, and well-being. It benefits not only the one being blessed but also the one who blesses. Why? Because God enjoys watching His people align their words with His heart and His purposes. The God who desires to bless responds to words declaring that He will.

Many Christians have lost the art of blessing others verbally, but you can regain it. In fact, it’s still God’s desire for the encouragement and building up of His people. Words carry weight, even the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21). And in a very real sense, they can carry His Presence.

Lord, may my tongue be an instrument of Your shalom. May I impart Your goodness to others through my words, and may Your Spirit inhabit those words in power.

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