How can I receive God’s blessings?
Genesis 1:27-28God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”
Begin by acknowledging that you have already been blessed. The fact that you are alive is a clue that God has already poured out his goodness onto you and continues to do so each day. As a human being you are privileged to inherit God’s original blessings on the human race—both the blessing of being made in his image and also the blessing of having responsibility over God’s Creation. The best response to the blessings God has already given you is to open yourself to an intimate relationship with God, which was made possible by Jesus Christ. When you do this, you will discover that God has innumerable blessings yet to give you.
Ephesians 1:3All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.
In order to access all God’s blessings, you must belong to Jesus Christ—but if you want God’s blessings only so you can live an easier, more comfortable life, then you don’t understand the nature of God’s blessings. When you belong to Christ, you will find yourself in the middle of a rushing stream of God’s blessings, and you will understand that God has blessed you so that you may bless and refresh others in turn.
Deuteronomy 1:35-36“Not one of you from this wicked generation will live to see the good land I swore to give your ancestors, except Caleb. . . . He will see this land because he has followed the Lord completely.”
Throughout the Bible, and particularly the book of Deuteronomy, you find a simple but profound principle: Obeying God brings blessing, and disobeying God brings misfortune. Obedience doesn’t earn God’s blessing; rather, it removes obstacles to God’s blessing. Be careful not to think of these blessings only in terms of material possessions—the greatest blessings are far more valuable than money or things. They come in the forms of joy, family, relationships, peace of heart, spiritual gifts, and the confidence of eternal life.
Psalm 128:1How joyful are those who fear the Lord—all who follow his ways!
Increase your awareness of God’s blessings by reflecting on what it means to fear the Lord. A deeper grasp of the awesome nature of God and the privilege of knowing him will not only elevate the level of joy in your life but also expand your understanding of all his blessings.
Psalm 146:5Joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God.
Genuine joy is one of God’s greatest blessings. If you see God as your ever-present helper and as the one in whom your hope rests, you can anticipate great joy in him.
Jeremiah 17:7“Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.”
If you live your life hoping in God, your trust will bring joy to God and many blessings to you. The more you trust and obey God, the more you will experience the blessings he gives.
