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In today’s society, it is very common to hear and see the phrase “I am blessed”. People connect the "bless" word for success in relationship (e.g. family), a significant milestone in their lives (e.g. new career, promotion), achieving their dreams (e.g. buying a car, new house, travel), financial abundance and many more. It is always associated to positive earthly situations.
But what if we don’t have what others have? Does it mean we are no longer blessed?
The answer is NO. Because these comforts, desires and success we enjoy are only part of the earthly gift that all people receive as a result of God's extended grace. This isn't something we acquire because we deserve it, but we receive it because God freely gave it to us.
Isn’t it that Psalm 50:12 confirms that this world and all its fullness belong to God?
And even in Joshua 24:13 God tells us that it is He who granted us this land which we did not work for. It is He who gave us this city to live in, a city that we didn't build. He gave us the vineyards and groves that we did not plant in order to eat.
So even if we are in a terrible situation, even if we are struggling, even if we are in ruins, even if we don't have what others have, we are all blessed because God’s grace is sufficient for all of us. In times of our weakness His strength is made perfect - 2 Corinthians 12:9.
We should therefore accept this blessing with thanksgiving and praise, which should inspire us to glorify the Giver.
The flesh, however, tends to form the attitude of self-entitlement, the attitude of pride, and we seek happiness in these worldly things. We even let this world change us, by dictating our values, mind-sets, our beliefs and priorities contrary to the will and way of God.
We are all led astray because we let this world define the true meaning of our real blessing.
And what is our real blessing? Or rather who is our greatest blessing?
He is Jesus the Child that was born, the Son that is given, who is called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace- Isaiah 9:6
Jesus our Lord, the Savior (Luke 2:11), who will save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).
He is Jesus our God, who manifested in the flesh (1 Timothy 1:16) because of love.
So that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness towards us - Ephesians 2:7
Despite our disobedience, Jesus died on the cross to remove our curse for disobedience to the law, since no one can keep it perfectly. Jesus became the curse Himself to pay our way to freedom at the price of His own sinless life - Galatians 3:13
We now receive by faith in Jesus the benefits of justification, salvation, and the promise of the Holy Spirit (who is our Comforter, Teacher, and Guide) - Galatians 3:14, as well as eternal life - John 6:47.
This is all His gift to all of us, not because of our efforts, but because of His incredible grace Ephesians 2:8
Jesus did not wait for us to cry out for His help. He came to seek and save us who are lost – Luke 19:10
So, as we set out on our journey this year, don't let the world rob you of this blessing.
We must keep in mind what Jesus said in Mark 8:36, that everything we gain in this world would be meaningless without Him.
Therefore, let's run this race with a mind on things above rather than those on earth - Colossians 3:2.
For we do not know what the future holds. James 4:14 reminds us, that our life is like a vapour that appears for a moment and then vanishes away.
So make sure that you grab your blessing now! Choose Jesus always! Because of Him, you are blessed!
