Devotion 2/10, Blessings
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8
There’s an instinct hardwired into the human soul — the longing to be blessed by God. In the words of Saint Augustine, “You have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” The 17th-century French philosopher Blaise Pascal called it the “God-shaped hole.” Pope Francis called it “nostalgia for God.”
Yet despite our innate nature to long for God’s blessings, they don’t always come in our timing.
God won’t bless us beyond our level of spiritual maturity either. He loves us all far too much to do that. God’s blessings are perfectly sequenced, and that requires great patience on our part. But in that process, we’re conformed to the image of Christ.
We’re living in a grace period, every one of us! Certainly, there are blessings we’ve already received, and we’re eternally grateful. But isn’t it awe-inspiring to know God is preparing. blessings for you and preparing you for blessings. And, I might add, He’s preparing blessings beyond your ability to ask or imagine!
We cannot reach the full measure of our potential or find the full measure of meaning in life without God. We bear His image. We come from His “nest.” He’s the one who blessed us from the beginning.
So, count your blessings. Flip your blessings by blessing others. Repeat … as often as possible!
Lord, thank You for preparing blessings for me even now. Thank You for creating me to seek You. I pray for patience in the “grace periods” of life — and a deeper longing to be transformed into Your image. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Lord, your blessings are overwhelming, countless. When I realize how blessed I am, I am in awe of how well you know when I need what I need to build others up, to witness, to care for others and to build your kingdom. I seek to be the best version of me I can be to serve You. Thank you for Your grace, love and mercies. But also, thank you for the blessings You know I need. Thank you Lord, for you are my creator and my sustainer. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
What a beautiful message and song. God is blessing us always!