Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. – Psalm 33:12
The old hymn goes “Count your blessings name them one by one, count your blessings, see what God has done.” It is a wonderful sentiment but the reality of counting your blessings may be daunting. What, exactly, are blessings from God? Modern people of faith might define blessings as having a good marriage, obedient children, a successful career, health, and a vibrant ministry. However, a search of the Bible offers a different perspective.
The New Testament makes around 112 references to “blessing.” The Greek word means “fully satisfied.” Matthew records Christ describing the blessed as “the poor in spirit, those who mourn, those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, and those enduring times of being reviled because of His name” (Matthew 5: 3-4, 10-11). The book of Romans quotes Psalms, “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven” (Psalm 32:1). And James wrote, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial” (James 1:12). Clearly, God’s blessing is something bigger than simply a comfortable life.
Blessing from God means to be “fully satisfied” in Him! Whatever circumstances in your life are causing you to draw closer to God, deepening your trust in Him, those are actually your blessings! As you pray for God’s blessings upon this nation, understand that challenges will likely come that cause people to turn to Him for answers. Pray that many come to find their hope in God and that those in leadership positions see challenges on the horizon as opportunities for God’s intervention.
Today’s Verse: Psalm 33:12
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 46:6-10
The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
