Everyday Blessings

Satan got Adam and Eve to focus on one fruit when God had given them a whole garden. That’s how he works.  He gets you to focus on that one thing you do not have instead of all the blessings you do have.

Why did this happen?  They lost focus on all the bountiful blessings around them. They let an outsider convince them that there was a better way and that they needed something that God had not provided. He convinced them that God was holding out on them, and they deserved to have it.

We are no better today. Look at your own life. Have you lost focus?  Most have at one time or another

Is there a difference between what God thinks you need and what you think you need?

Yes, there is a profound difference. What you think is important usually revolves around temporary circumstances, money in the bank, a bigger house, more comfort, and immediate success. Am I keeping up with what society says is success? I would be happier if I had this or that.

 What God thinks you need centers on eternal character, spiritual growth, and a deeper relationship with Him.

But God is not inconsiderate of your daily needs. Trust that God knows what you need and will supply it when you need it! God miraculously took care of the daily needs of Elijah both by Ravens and the widow of Zarephath. God did not give Elijah a whole barrel of food to last. He provided daily. 

“If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?” Matthew 6:30 NIV

How do I shift from what I think I need and want, to praising God for all that He has given me daily.

Here are a few practical steps you can take.

1. Start a daily Gratitude Practice.  Instead of asking for things, spend time thanking God for your current provisions. Keep a dedicated gratitude journal and write down at least three specific blessings each day. You will soon see you live a life of abundance instead of scarcity.

• Actively Count your “Hidden” Blessings.  Write down your non-material gifts. Relationships, family, food on the table, job, grandchildren, friends, etc… The greatest blessing is that God loves you and has forgiven you, forgotten about your past transgressions and is building a mansion for you to live in next to Him in heaven.

• Serve Others.  This is so important to understand.  You focus outward and it redirects your mind away from your personal desires. When you wash the feet of a person in need, only then will you be thankful that Jesus cleansed your feet with His blood.

• Stop comparing yourself with what others have!  Covetousness will always creep in when you look at what others have.  This is exactly what happened to Adam and Eve.  They focused on what they did not have instead of the whole Garden of blessings. Social media is one of the greatest tools that Satan uses to make you desire what the world thinks you need instead of what God wants you to have.     

• Start by changing your focus away from this world into a focus on eternal items. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”. Matthew 6: 33 NIV

This moment is a great time to just sit quietly and look around.  Open your mind and eyes to all the blessings that God has already given you and remember He is not done yet.

Prayers for All.

Larry