Some may look at our family and our home and think we aren’t very “blessed.”
We don’t have cable t.v. Our home is 24 years old. Our living room furniture hasn’t been updated for 12 years. We don’t have new cars, and actually, we’re limping one along right now. We still have the same fridge and clothes dryer we purchased with our wedding money 23 years ago.
We may not have the latest and greatest, but that doesn’t mean we’re not blessed.
When you think of the word “blessed,” or someone who’s blessed, what comes to your mind?
Do you think of riches, fame, or fortune? Someone who has a carefree, easy life? A life characterized by everything going the right direction? Do blessings equal things and stuff one owns? Are blessings tangible or intangible?
Dictionary.com defines blessed as:
1. consecrated; sacred; holy; sanctified
2. worthy of adoration, reverence, worship
3. divinely or supremely favored; fortunate
4. blissfully happy or contented
5. bringing happiness and thankfulness
These all come to my mind.
But sometimes being blessed shows up in ways we don’t expect. Sometimes the blessings are found in the mundane, the small, the ordinary. Sometimes what blesses us are the not-so-great moments and seasons we walk through. And sometimes we know we are blessed because we feel God’s presence big in our lives.
Sure, I’d love to have a new car and new appliances, but I’ll take real, true blessings from God over new stuff any day.
God’s ideas of “blessed,” are much different than ours.
Consider these, one by one:
“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.
You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.
You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.
You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.
Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.” Matthew 5:3-12
See, you don’t have to be rich or famous, or live an easy life, or have “things” to be blessed. You already are, just by having God in your life! Blessed in God’s ways is greater than we can comprehend.
Friend, you are blessed.
Which one above catches your attention? Which one hits home with your current situation?
Soak in these truths. Live as the blessed one you are, and watch how God shows up in your life today. Why not share these with another who could use some encouragement?
Much love,
Julie
It’s Day 20 of 31 Days #CelebratingWhoYouAre. This month is flying by! I couldn’t be more thankful you stopped by today. I’m glad we can walk this road together. You are a blessing in my life! (Linking this post with Kelly at #RaRaLinkup and Holly at #TestimonyTuesday.)
Definitely the first one! I’ve been blessed at the end of my rope over and over in my life :). This may have something to do with me always thinking that I have the solution to life’s problems. I must be a slow learner ;).
I’m with you, friend. Maybe some day we’ll learn, right?? God continues to show up and bless us in ways we’ve never expected. Thanks for stopping over!
I loved this post, Julie, probably because we just bought a new washer after 20+ years 🙂 And yes!!! I am blessed. So much of what you wrote above expresses how I feel. I feel blessed by what God has done in my life & in my family. Years ago, He & I laid much to rest as He asked me, “If I never do another thing for you, will you still love me?” It was then I realized that as long as God was IN my life, I had all I needed. You have written a powerful post for us all to think on today. Grateful for you!
Hi friend! Thank you for your words and you presence here. Your testimony is powerful… “… as God was IN my life, I had all I needed.” May I live like that today. You’ve given me thoughts to ponder! Bless you, and enjoy your new washer!!
Thank you for the beautiful celebration of words today on this page. Being blessed does look different to each of us but in God’s world He knows that every little thing is a blessing when we stop to recognize that He is in that moment or thing. I find more blessings in the ordinary more often and that is where God teaches me of His love and shows me His beauty. Love these words today. Visiting you from Testimony Tuesday!
Hi Mary! I see through your words and through following you on social media how God uses the ordinary in life to bless you. That encourages this heart of mine more than you know. I appreciate how you share often in your words what He’s teaching you, and what He’s doing in your life. May you feel His presence all around and in you today. Much love!
Amen and amen friend! ““You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.” When I didn’t know what my future held, when I felt everything I knew was unfamiliar to me, God was faithful. He sustained. Thank you Julie for stating so powerfully what true blessings are. xxxooo
Thanks, Carmen! It’s so good to see your beautiful face here. Your words encourage. Thank you. God is our Sustainer, isn’t he?! Have a wonderful day, friend!
When I saw your smiling face on #RaRaLinkup, I thought, “Yes, I’ll go over to Julie’s and get a little dose of encouragement! I like #1: blessed at the end of our ropes, when there’s less of us and more of God!
And your family sounds like mine. No cable tv, no newest furniture. We have all the stuff we bought when we moved to Turkey 14 years ago, only there the quality is much less, so we replace things one by one when they go out…The living room’s looking almost shabby, but I don’t care! We’re happy and blessed!
Friend, I’m glad you can relate. Yes, you nailed it… we’re happy and blessed! You get where I’m coming from. Thank you!
I’m blessed because I’m confident in who God has called me to be. That one jumps out at me. So much THIS: “But sometimes being blessed shows up in ways we don’t expect. Sometimes the blessings are found in the mundane, the small, the ordinary. Sometimes what blesses us are the not-so-great moments and seasons we walk through. And sometimes we know we are blessed because we feel God’s presence big in our lives.” We are indeed so blessed!
That one jumped out to me too, Tara. Confident in who God has called us to be. I want to live blessed like that every day. Your words here are a blessing, too!