Missed Blessings

We may regret the investment we didn’t make, the friendship we didn’t cultivate, the vacation we didn’t take, or the missed job opportunity. But we often don’t consider the blessings we miss out on by neglecting to do the good things for others that we had power to do.

Proverbs 3:27 says, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.” Whenever we have the opportunity to do good for someone and neglect to do it, we miss the blessings that God intended for us to receive in service, we withhold the ability to encourage and bless others, and we deny God the glory He deserves.

Surround Sound

We are familiar with the technology of SurroundSound. It allows us to more easily place ourselves within the action we see on the screen by surrounding us with the sounds of the action.

Isaiah 30:21 says, “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” God surrounds us with protection from evil, but also surrounds us with His voice. He leads us and tells us, “Follow me.” He stands besides us and speaks with encouragement to help us persevere in doing good. And from behind, He whispers words of truth to keep us on the right path.

Delighting In Our Children

I get the biggest and best thrills from watching my own children and grandchildren. We have made it a practice to go to every game, concert, performance, and award ceremony that our kids are involved in and these events delight our hearts. In addition, it is just an awesome privilige and joy to watch them experience life’s ups and downs, growing with each step along the way.

Psalm 149:4-5 says,”For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation. Let the godly exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their beds.” I know that I have shared these verses before, but I am amazed that God takes pleasure in me. This knowledge humbles me, as I truly have nothing to offer Him. What joy and glory God gives to His people!

I Am Grateful for the Provision

Our needs are met in a variety of ways.  Most often, we work and thus are able to provide for our own physical needs. We depend upon health care professionals to care for our health needs. Our needs for love and support are often provided for by family and friends. We may have other needs attended to by government and nonprofit agencies. But even these providers have been put into place for us and enabled by the God who reigns over all things.

Deuteronomy 11:13-14 says, “13 “And if you will indeed obey my commandments that I command you today, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul,  14 he will give the rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the later rain, that you may gather in your grain and your wine and your oil.” Let the rain always remind us of God’s provision for all our needs. We should respond to His graceful provision with love with our whole heart and soul.

Misplaced Trust

We have all put our trust in someone only to be disappointed later when they betrayed that trust or were unable to fulfill their promises. People are often unreliable objects of our trust. Equally disappointing are our leaders who appear to be sincere in their promises, but often fail to deliver.

Psalm 146:3-5 says, “Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God.” Hope comes from knowing God and trusting in His help. People will often disappoint us, but God will always love and come through for us.