and many more
I have been blessed by God. That much is certain—something I can honestly say I have no doubt about.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” —James 1:17
But the real question is: Am I a blessing? A blessing to God? To anyone else?
If I’m not, then I’m just a spoiled child—enjoying the good graces of God for my own pleasure while He looks on, shaking His head.
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, even more will be asked.” —Luke 12:48
I’ve heard many preachers explain God’s blessings, justifying their views by quoting scripture. And yet, I often find their explanations more frustrating than enlightening. If the Bible truly is the divine Word of God, then our interpretations should reflect God’s intent. But when eleven people read the same passage and come away with eleven different meanings, only one of them can be right.
Did Jesus think we would all be able to understand Scripture on our own? Apparently not. That’s why He sent the Holy Spirit—and gave us Guardian Angels—to guide us.
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” —John 14:26
“For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” —Psalm 91:11
I don’t think God views His blessings as extraordinary. To Him, blessing us is simply what a loving, benevolent Father does. He gives us what we need to be joyful, to have peace, to live. Enough to make it unmistakable that He exists—but not so much that we forget Him.
“Or do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” —Romans 2:4
Suffering can be a blessing. So can wealth. Both can be used—and abused. The question is not what we are given, but how we respond.
Our response should be: infinite gratitude. Joy. Peace. A deep satisfaction in knowing that God has already given us what we need to live our best life.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” —1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
“Godliness with contentment is great gain.” —1 Timothy 6:6
He has no issue with blessing us—but to Him, it’s simply natural. That’s what love does. Isn’t that what we want for our own children? Didn’t our parents want that for us?
“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? … If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!” —Matthew 7:9,11
So why is it surprising? Why do we second guess His decisions?
And yet I do—out of fear, out of pride, out of humanness. I struggle to fully embrace my own belief: that God has given me the perfect circumstances, the people I need, the body I have, everything required to live the most peaceful, joyful life.
Then I see an ad: a beach, a smiling couple. And I think, Why not me? Why did God give me this hard, challenging job, instead of the lottery numbers a week early?
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” —Proverbs 3:5–6
What I need—what I truly long for—is contentment. And that’s hard for someone who always wants more. Not for any real reason… just because there’s more out there. So why not go for it?
“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation… I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” —Philippians 4:12–13
Lord, give me a change of heart—so I can be like You.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” —Psalm 51:10
The musings of Peter 