Did you know that counting your blessings starts with your thoughts? I started a routine of telling God my favorite thing about the day each night before bed. This simple time of reflection has been life-changing. It helps me remember all the things I have to be thankful for, and that ushers in a time of genuine praise. Sometimes it has been something that we often take for granted, like being safe and cozy at home in the middle of a winter storm. Other times, it has been a simple joy like witnessing something that gave me a good laugh.
“Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s Word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on those things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].”
Philippians 4:8 AMP
Daily distractions, though, can be a hindrance to focusing on lovely thoughts. It might even be tempting to intentionally focus on the negative for those who like to complain. If that’s you, I challenge you to turn your focus from the clouds to the silver linings! Counting your blessings can bring you peace. And, after all, we are supposed to give God thanks in all circumstances. He is with us in every season of life we go through.
What Does it Mean to Be Blessed?
Sometimes we can tend to think of blessings as material things or worldly accomplishments. Yes, those things can be blessings, too, if we are using our gifts to glorify God and advance His kingdom. The Bible says that we are blessed with every spiritual blessing. These are the blessings that thieves cannot break in and steal, the blessings that God considers the most important. They include:
- Election to holiness
- Predestination to adoption
- Redemption as forgiveness of sins
- Revelation of the mystery of God’s will
- The privilege of being God’s heritage/inheritance
- The possession of the Spirit as a seal and a guarantee of our final redemption
When can only access these blessings in Christ.
“just as [in His love] He chose us in Christ [actually selected us for Himself as His own] before the foundation of the world, so that we would be holy [that is, consecrated, set apart for Him, purpose-driven] and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined and lovingly planned for us to be adopted to Himself as [His own] children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the kind intention and good pleasure of His will— to the praise of His glorious grace and favor, which He so freely bestowed on us in the Beloved [His Son, Jesus Christ]. In Him we have redemption [that is, our deliverance and salvation] through His blood, [which paid the penalty for our sin and resulted in] the forgiveness and complete pardon of our sin, in accordance with the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and understanding [with practical insight] He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ,”
Ephesians 1:4-9 AMP
The Bible also says that all good and perfect things come down from our Heavenly Father ( James 1:17). So in addition to our spiritual blessings, here are some other blessings that we should be remember to count:
We are God’s Masterpiece
God created us and called us good. He gave us life and He chose us. And He called us His own. How amazing is that?! God, the Creator of the universe knows every little detail about us, including the number of hairs on our heads. He gives us an opportunity to know Him personally, and invites us to have a relationship with Him. Nothing can ever separate us from His love.
“For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:38-39 AMP
We are Saved by Grace
Jesus sacrificed His life so that we may inherit an eternal one in Him. And we don’t have to do anything for it, just believe. He frees us from sin and shame and gives us a new life in Him. Not only is Jesus our Savior, He is our Lord, Teacher, and Good Shepherd.
He is always here for us, promising to never leave us nor forsake us. He walks with us through all seasons of life, never abandoning us to deal with hardships on our own. He is close to the broken hearted and binds up our wounds. Jesus provides us with nourishment, rest and protection. He is our best Friend. Because of Jesus, we have hope and a future. He gives us peace beyond all understanding.
“For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God;”
Ephesians 2:8 AMP
The Holy Spirit is Our Helper
The Holy Spirit helps us in our Christian walk. He makes His home in us, comforting us and giving us guidance and direction. He convicts of sin and restores us. He intercedes on our behalf. Because of the fruit of the Spirit, we can become more loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled (Galatians 5:22-23). The Holy Spirit also seals us, keeping us safe and secure, for the day of redemption.
“it is He who has also put His seal on us [that is, He has appropriated us and certified us as His] and has given us the [Holy] Spirit in our hearts as a pledge [like a security deposit to guarantee the fulfillment of His promise of eternal life].”
2 Corinthians 1:22 AMP
We Can Rely on the Word of God
In a time of fake news and misinformation – even versions of the truth! – we can count on the Word of God to be the absolute truth.
Jesus is the Word. He teaches us to love God and others. He teaches us to forgive others as we have been forgiven. He teaches us to treat others the way we would want to be treated. If we are ever not sure about anything, we can go to the Word of God. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The Bible, is our instructional manual. It is a lamp to our feet and a light for our path. The truth of God’s Word is a shield and a sword, both giving us refuge and helping us to take a stand our ground in spiritual battle.
“Every word of God is tested and refined [like silver]; He is a shield to those who trust and take refuge in Him.”
Proverbs 30:5 AMP
“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”
Ephesians 6:17 AMP
God’s Answers Our Prayers
Take some time to think back on what God has brought you through. It is very encouraging to remember what He has done in the past, especially when you are facing an uncertain future. If He made a way for you before when there seemed to be none, He can be trusted to do it again. God is always available to listen to our prayers and wants to hear from us. He promises to always answer. And when we don’t know what to pray,the Holy Spirit intercedes for us (Romans 8:26).
“For this reason I am telling you, whatever things you ask for in prayer [in accordance with God’s will], believe [with confident trust] that you have received them, and they will be given to you.”
Mark 11:24 AMP
We are Blessed to Be a Blessing
What has God blessed you with that you can share with others? Remember, we cannot out-give God. He teaches us that giving to others in need is lending to Him and He will repay. God is good for it!
Until next time, stay beautiful! 💖
