“Blessings!”

Lately, I’ve formed a word-habit in my online replies. I throw out the word over and over again.

Blessings! Thanks and blessings! I pray blessings over your ministry. Blessings to you and your family! Happy Birthday and blessings! 

See what I mean? I quite overuse the word.

But do I realize what’s behind the well wishes? And do I give thanksgiving for my blessings?

Count Your Blessings

Google tells us blessings are “God’s favor and protection.” Dictionary.com defines blessing as “a favor or gift bestowed by God.”

We’ve heard it said to count our blessings. But if we look at the shocking amount of blessings a generous God extends to us, they are hard to number.

[bctt tweet=”We’ve heard it said to count our blessings. But if we look at the shocking amount of blessings a generous God extends to us, they are hard to number. @FridayKaren #Blessings #Thankful” username=”PatHolbrook”]

Of course, we all count ourselves blessed with family and friends. Also, blessed in how God provides for our daily needs of food, shelter, the jobs we hold, and more.

As a pastor’s wife and believer, I’m blessed by the local church in how God uses both ministers and members to build us up in the faith. Perhaps we ought to name this our spiritual M&M’s.

And who’s not giving thanks these days for health? I pray to never take a healthy body for granted. Or, the physical well-being of my family members.

But there are times we forget, even as Christ-followers, and we need reminding of the vast blessings from a gracious God. Too numerous to even count. How do I know?

Blessings from a Generous God

For example, take the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Church at Ephesus. After he greets the saints who were faithful in Christ, he says this:

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us IN Christ with EVERY spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:3, emphasis mine).

[bctt tweet=”Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us IN Christ with EVERY spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. Ephesians 1:3 @FridayKaren #Blessings #Thankful” username=”PatHolbrook”]

First, Paul calls God “blessed.” We bless Him as our Father.

Yet, I find it interesting how we bless God, then go on to state the reason is none other than the fact He has blessed us. And not only blessed, but in Christ, we are blessed with every spiritual blessing.

In the Blue Letter Bible online, the second blessed in this verse (describing those of us in Christ), is the Greek word, makarios, meaning “happy, happier.” So hold on, we will soon see how spiritual blessings do indeed make us happier than anything the world offers us.

If we draw out the forms of the word “bless” to summarize, here’s what it says in a nutshell: Blessed is God, who blesses us with every spiritual blessing. You see, God finds pleasure in blessing us with only what comes from Him. Wow!

What a blessing! Seems to me we receive the grand part of this truth—God’s favor, protection, provision, and more. A truth lending itself for thanksgiving to a good and generous God.

Many Spiritual Blessings 

Ephesians goes on to remind us of the many spiritual blessings in chapter 1:

• Chosen by God.
• Loved by God.
• Adopted by the heavenly Father.
• Riches of grace lavished on us.
• Redeemed through Jesus’ blood.
• Forgiven of trespasses.
• Spiritual wisdom and revelation.
• Insight to know God’s will.
• Plan and purpose for our life.
• Spiritual inheritance.
• Hope in Christ.
• Truth.
• Peace.
• Gospel of Salvation.
• Sealed with the Holy Spirit.
• Enlightened hearts.
• Greatness of God’s power working in us.

Countless Blessings

But Paul’s writings here aren’t exhaustive. When I reflect on “every spiritual blessing,” it reminisces of more:

• Mercy.
• Faith.
• Steadfastness.
• Prayer.
• God’s long-suffering toward me.
• God’s acts of providence in my life.
• Comfort during troubled times.
• The Lord’s voice leading me.
• Second, third, fourth, and countless chances for messing up.
• Spiritual discipline (not pleasant, but yields a great reward).
• Relationship with the Creator.
• Strength for times of waiting.
• Healing for physical ailments and a wounded heart.
• The privilege to minister in Jesus’ name.
• Ability to overcome the world.
• God’s glory seen in me and my callings.

There’s more, so much more! Oh, the indescribable thanks to God from whom all blessings flow—straight into our laps and lives.

Let’s truly be a people of God who calls Him, Blessed, meaning it and living it out in our daily lives.

All Scripture references taken from the ESV.

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[bctt tweet=”Join @FridayKaren as we discuss our countless blessings and the indescribable thanks to God from whom all blessings flow—straight into our laps and lives. Link up is open. Share your blog. #Blessings #Thankful” username=”PatHolbrook”]