When Are You Blessed?

For quite a number of months, I have been thinking about the whole idea of ‘being blessed’. So often, when asking someone how they are doing, the answer comes as: “It`s really going well; we’re so blessed”. In most dictionaries, blessing is defined as: ‘something promoting or contributing to happiness, well-being, or prosperity’ or ‘a happy event or state of affairs’. As humans, we interpret blessing as a time when everything in our lives seem to be going well on all levels: health, finances, relationships, provision, emotions, peace, work, our children’s achievements and also our own. We associate blessing with positive results and acknowledgement on all levels of our lives.

In the light of this perception, I was challenged to find God’s blessing in my own life whilst going through a very difficult time. I asked myself the question: “I know God is somehow blessing me during this trial, but why am I not feeling that way? Why am I not saying, from the bottom of my heart, that I’m blessed during this time I’m going through?” My head knew that the Lord was blessing me, but my heart was not responding. I was actually feeling sorry for myself.

Slowly but surely, the Lord starting showing me His blessing within my trial - small things became far more precious to me. Things that had always been special to me began to impact me even more - acts of kindness, friendship, coffee with a friend. I realised how the Lord had been showering me with hope, comfort and encouragement every step of the way. The greatest blessing was His presence within the trial - not WHAT He was going to do for me, but WHO He is. Within my moments of panic, He was my safe place. Within my moments of doubt, He was my security.

All these thoughts were put into words by the following sketch told during a sermon I recently attended: a king usually has a basement wine cellar where he ages his best wines. These wines are only served to selected guests on very special occasions. When we’re going through trials, the Lord is busy perfecting and maturing us. It might not be the nicest time of our lives, but it’s actually a time when the Lord is blessing us with more faith to walk the road we’re on. He’s working all things for good. He’s holding us in the palm if His hand. He‘s our shelter in times of pain.

So the answer to today’s question is: We`re always blessed!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You that You never change or cast a shifting shadow. You’re the same today and every day. Even in difficult times You still bless me. Thank You that You’re shaping me, moulding me and maturing me into the person You want me to be. Amen.