During this time of the year many choose to reflect upon the blessings that God has given them. It’s also during this same time that some choose to focus on those things that have been lost or never achieved. Either way of thinking involves a choice made by the thinker.
King David was considered a man after God’s own heart, yet he faced many challenges and had been entangled in the snares of sin. David could surely have chosen to focus on the negative things in his life. His best friend was killed. His love was betrayed. His son discredited and disgraced him. He lost children to sin and to war. Instead, David made the choice to praise God for the blessings he received. Of note is Psalm 103:1-5, “1 Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
David encourages us not to overlook our common blessings. We should not forget all His benefits. Our God is our Creator and Sustainer. The evidence of His creation is all around us in the beauty and wonder of the sun, moon, and stars. He gives life and provides for it. The birds, fish, and wild animals are taken care of by God’s design. All kinds of vegetation exist and flourish without human intervention. These are some of the amazing blessings of God that are mutual to all of us.
David also reminds us not to forget our special blessings. Our Gracious God heals and satisfies with good things. He crowns us with love and mercy. In Psalm 23 David writes about those special blessings, “1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 4 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. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.” Like David, our special blessings come in God’s provision, restoration, assurance, and peace. God blesses us regardless of those who are contrary. These are special blessings reserved by God for His Followers.
Finally, David tells us not to ignore our greatest blessing. Our Savior God forgives all of our iniquities and redeems our life from destruction. This is possible only through our Savior, Jesus Christ. God sent Jesus to redeem us from our sins and save our souls. In Titus 2:13-14 the Apostle Paul says it this way, “13 . . . our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people . . .” Sadly, sometimes Christians forget our greatest blessing in Christ. But, “. . . how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation . . .” – Hebrews 2:3? We can’t. May we always remember and give thanks for our greatest blessing like Paul encourages us in 2 Corinthians 9:15, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”
