How do we know when we are blessed by God? What does it mean to be “blessed”? One definition, according to Dictionary.com, says “a favor or gift bestowed by God, thereby bringing happiness.” So by definition being blessed is when God gives us favor and gifts.
Throughout this series, we have looked at how we are tested in day-to-day life, what to do when we struggle with God’s plan, how to face conflict, and the importance of standing firm in our faith in the midst of it all. But what comes of all this hardship? Why is standing firm and remaining faithful so important?
When we remain steadfast, constant, and firm in our faith it does not go unnoticed. God sees us keep faith and blesses us through the muck and grind of life in so many different ways. So often we think that being blessed means we will have more money, more ‘things’, perfect relationships, or fewer struggles. We think that by being blessed life will somehow just be easier. This is not what it is to be blessed, though.
Being blessed starts inwardly
Throughout scripture we see a constant theme that explains as we remain steadfast in faith we will experience increased peace and joy that surpasses our human understanding. This peace and joy then overflows out of us into our outward selves and henceforth to other areas of our lives, provisions, and relationships, which are then increasingly blessed as well.
So, to be blessed is really to receive God’s peace and joy, and to be loved, cared for, provided for, and transformed by God. It is God’s fingerprints on every day of our lives. Not only in the big things but also in every little detail of every day, shaped and molded for you by His hands. It is all a blessing.
As we let the blessing of God’s goodness transform our hearts, we begin to see all the additional ways God blesses our lives every day. Soften your heart, open your eyes, and see the wonders God has placed in your path, and through your faithfulness watch those blessings grow.
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in God.
Isaiah 26:3
‘After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before. ‘
Job 42:10
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
