Psalm 34:1-3 (King James Version)
1I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
3O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.
Yesterday we went over the "House Rules." Today we are going to look into the 2nd one which is "Count Your Blessings" (Psalms 34:1-3). The words blessing, blessings and blessed are used over 516 times in the Bible. According to Webster's Dictionary the word "blessing" means 1) The act of one who blesses, 2)
A declaration of divine favor, or an invocation imploring divine favor on some or something; a benediction; a wish of happiness pronounces, 3) A means of happiness; that which promotes prosperity and welfare; a beneficent gift, 4) a gift, 5) Grateful praise or worship.
When we bless the Lord, we are giving thanks, praise and worship. We magnify His great Name. When He gives us blessings, he gives us gifts like happiness, peace, favor, etc. Having been over to Ukraine and having seen first hand how the people are poor yet the believers over there are so thankful for whatever they have received. On the other hand, in this country, we do not even realize how blessed we are. Maybe it is because we spend so much time complaining about our problems. Since we are talking about "counting our blessings," let's go through a few of them. First, the greatest blessing of all is knowing our Savior, Jesus Christ. How many people in the world don't know Him? Second, if we own just one Bible we are blessed. How many of us have two or three different versions? I know non-believers who have at least one Bible in their home but there are many countries where it is illegal to own one. Third, we are able to go to a church without fear of harassment or imprisonment. Fourth, we have food in our cupboards. Most of us have not felt the pain that starving people in other parts of the world have felt. I could go on and on but you get the picture.
So today "count your blessings;" you'll find there are so many we can't even count them all! God is just so good. Also bless God - thank Him for all the gifts He has given us. Be grateful. Praise and worship Him just for who He is. Many blessings to you and your families.
