Week One: Notice the Blessings
Day Seven: Of a Relationship with God
How can we who are so needy and weak, bless the One who is the source of all love and happiness? When we remember how the Lord has blessed us, and we share those blessings with others, we bring to life what it means to “bless the Lord.”
Every good thing we have is from the Lord. Through much of our day, and even much of our lives, we may be unconscious of the blessings He is showering on us. The Lord continues to bless us, whether we realize it or not. But the blessings are enhanced when we recognize them and recognize the Lord as the source of them. The nature of the Lord’s love is that He wants not only to love us, but to be loved by us in return. He wants to be connected with us and to have a relationship with us.
Love is not one-sided. If you have ever wanted to have a relationship with someone who acts as if you did not exist, you know that offering love to someone who does not accept it is a painful and unfulfilling experience. It sometimes happens that people with Alzheimer’s don’t recognize the people who dearly love them and care for them. At times we see children who leave home and will not talk to their parents or even tell them where they live. It is hard to love someone and not have them acknowledge that love. Love wants to be loved in return.
The prophet Isaiah was speaking for the Lord when he said, “ I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against Me; the ox knows its owner and the donkey its master’s crib; but Israel does not know, My people do not consider” (Isaiah 1: 2-3). This conveys sadness on the Lord’s part when we don’t recognize our relationship with Him.
It is much different when we realize how blessed we are to have a relationship with the Lord, which is shown in words like these: “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own” (John 10:14). This is the kind of relationship the Lord wants with us and makes possible for us if we are open to His leading. Reflect on the ways that you are blessed by your relationship with the Lord. For example, read through the 23rd Psalm and ask yourself if the blessings described there have parallels in your own life.
Prayer: the 23rd Psalm
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever. Amen. (NKJV™)
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