Joyful Blessings

197/365

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of sitting back and taking in one of my favorite romantic comedy movies: Guess Who. This movie is hilarious for those of you who have not seen it. Ashton Kutcher plays the fiancé of Bernie Mac’s daughter and spends all of his time attempting to win over the father’s blessing on their marriage.

Obviously, being a father, the blessing of his child is not something that is easily won. Ashton spends days and days going exaggerated and entertaining lengths to achieve this approval and fails to receive it until the very last ten minutes of the film.

Blessings, we all crave them. Whether it’s a blessing from our future in laws, a blessing from our parents, or better yet, a blessing from the Almighty.

Psalm 84:11
“…the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” – NIV

When we ask God for His blessing, do we ask with the arrogance of a deserving child, or, do we get on our knees before the Father and humbly ask that His highest will for us be made real? Do we ask without regard to the Father’s character, will, or feelings? Or, do we know Him personally enough to ask with the respect that He deserves?

God is a blesser by nature. How rarely we take this into account when we approach Him. We mistakenly assume reluctance on His part, as though He would begrudge us anything. Silly humanity. Surprisingly, even when we do take His goodness for granted, He often still blesses. But, how much more joyfully He blesses when the request is honoring to Him.

Reflect upon your present blessings of which every man has many - not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some – Charles Dickens