When have you asked God the question, “How do You want to bless my family, Lord?”
For me, I am often asking God a laundry list of things I would like Him to do for my family. Provide this. Do that. Protect at this time. However, recently someone challenged me to ask God how He might want to bless my family and look at things from His perspective. It was refreshing for me and I felt I might share it with you.
I. Start with expressing gratitude to God
Always give thanks to Father God for every person he brings into your life in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20 TPT
When I consider the work of His hands in my family, my gratitude list surprises me, especially during this stay-at-home time. Have you considered what blessings have come as a result of this forced time at home, in spite of all the difficulties?
For me, I have been much more intentional in connecting the whole family together by zoom. We meet each week and that is through God’s prompting. I am grateful for the technology that allows us to see each other’s faces. We tell stories, play games and even have had a meal or two together. God loves having us connect in whatever way possible. He has blessed us with laughter and memories I am sure for the years to come.
I am also homeschooling my 6-year-old grandson and learning as much if not more than he is in the meantime. Even though time together has been disrupted, God has blessed the times we have together. This past week we read a book, “Can you hug a bug?” He was to write a sentence, Can you hug a _____? He wrote, “Can you hug a grandma?” Nothing sweeter than that blessing for a grandma’s ears.
What have you noticed that you can thank God for in the little daily pieces of life?
II. Consider what blessings He has brought into your life
The definition of blessing is a special gift, mercy or benefit brought into your life. Perhaps, in spite of challenges, you have seen relationships strengthened, gifts and skills uncovered, even unexplained miracles in your life. Often challenges and hard times offer opportunities to grow in ways we would not have otherwise.
For me, my marriage has grown so much stronger, after a painful valley. He blessed us by going through that valley. He wants to bless our family by strengthening our relationships with our grandchildren and adult children, in spite of differing views on COVID. I still find I want to work more than my body wants me to so I look to God for guidance on how to navigate the migraines. I am confident He will lead the way when I listen!
By being at home this past year, I’ve been able to complete writing a book. What project have you been able to do or complete that you wouldn’t have otherwise?
III. How does God want to bless your family?
Take some time to be quiet before God and listen to what thoughts occur to you when you sit with that question, “How do you want to bless my family, God?” You may be surprised at the answers you get. He may bring verses or specific thoughts to mind. Enjoy His peace and His answers.
Here is what He promises each of us from Numbers 6:23-27 as we look to Him for blessing.
May the Lord bless you
and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you
and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you his favor
and give you his peace.’
Whenever Aaron and his sons bless the people of Israel in my name, I myself will bless them.”
So as we bless our family in God’s name, He blesses us.
How will you do that? And how can you watch for His blessings?
I would love to know what He whispers over you. He delights in you. Let me know.
Blessings,
Nancy
As a spiritual director, I walk with people who want to hear and see God more clearly in their lives. If this post is helpful to you, could you share it with others? Or if there is a way that I can be praying specifically for you, would you reply to this post? I want to be of service to you in your life and the lives of others. I look forward to walking with you in the world “for such a time as this.”