Count Your Blessings
I have a sign in my room with the quote, "Count your blessings" and every time I look at it, it's a constant reminder of how good God is. When I am down or find myself in the waiting process, I have to remind myself of all the things He has done for me. It's easy for us to look around at the natural but the spiritual blessings are worth way more value in our life.
Take some time to read Ephesians 1. In this passage, there is a whole list of blessings that God has provided! Verse 3 even starts off by saying, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." He has given us redemption, forgiveness, grace, riches, understanding, wisdom and so much more. Him choosing us before we were even born is a blessing! If you read on to Ephesians 2 you can even count the blessing of God making us become alive in Him. Through His love and grace, He saved us! Jesus dying on the cross for our lives is the biggest blessing of them all.
Jesus went through so much suffering and pain because he loved us so much. He wanted to give us eternal life and for that I am grateful. It almost makes me wonder, "Even with me living a righteous life, is it still even enough to repay him?" But in reality, that is ALL God wants-your heart and thankfulness. He has blessed us tremendously with a new life. Who knows where I would be without God!
We also have to take in account our natural blessings- waking up everyday, job, car, family, food, health, etc. Even if it's not the best option or what we truly want, the fact that you have these things is a BLESSING. Also be grateful for the many accomplishments you've made in your life. The moral of the story is that you are BLESSED, you are always going to live a BLESSED life with God. If you don't have it, walk, talk and act like you do! Walk like the child of God that you are! You are an heir and God has promised you an inheritance of riches, which can't compare to the natural. God can always increase your spiritual AND natural blessings if you believe in Him.
"I may not be naturally rich but I am spiritually rich!"
Always be mindful to pray for increase of the internal aspects. It may be the need of an increase of faith, love, withstand temptation, to have confidence or forgiveness, etc. You should always want to have the mindset of a healthier, better version of yourself. When you instill these traits, you will be able to handle when you are blessed with the natural. As quickly as God can give you something, God can take it away. It's so many stories in the bible of God blessing his people but they misuse it due to greed, flesh and selfish ambitions. In the end, they got punished for taking God for granted. Don't be like them-learn from their mistakes. Use your blessings for God's greater purpose, don't abuse them. Let people see that God living in you is the GREATEST blessing you've ever received.
In your free time, make a list of all your natural and spiritual blessings as a reminder of all the things to be grateful for. This can also be an opportunity to reflect on what you may need to ask God for as you grow in Him. Thank God for all He has provided!
Psalms 103:2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits
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