When my granddaughter Nora was two years old, she was learning that a short blessing at our house was to be said before we ate. “Come Lord Jesus, be our guest. Bless this food, to us be blessed. Amen” However, with so many (8) of us getting food and sitting down at the table, she decided that she wanted us to say it each time someone sat down at the table, especially the AMEN. So, of course, we said it eight times!
Would it not be great to be blessed like that constantly? According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition, a blessing is the help and approval from God as well as something that helps you or brings happiness. How often do you think about giving away a blessing to others or even asking for God’s blessing?
We are starved and sensitive to blessings for our souls, for we don’t take the time to bless someone or receive it. It’s seems that we are in too much of a hurry or don’t have time to really touch each other’s souls. Also we don’t think we are worthy of receiving a blessing. However, we can become the blessing givers as we listen closely to God.
In John Ortberg’s book, Soul Keeping, he writes how we can give a blessing. As you read this, ask God to open your heart as to who He might want you to bless.
The LORD bless you and keep you:
The LORD make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
The LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
( Blessing is from Numbers 6:24-26 ESV)
- First, we look into the person’s eyes we want to bless….”The Lord bless you .” This means that we are asking God to continually bring help and approval from Him into this person’s life.
- Second, “The Lord…keep you.” When you bless the person in this way, you are willing that the Lord protect this person you are blessing, based on the sacrifices Christ has already made. Think about these words as you say them and underline the word.
- Third, “The Lord make His face to shine upon you….” Think about how a grandparent’s face lights up when he sees his grandchild. Faces are meant to light up and reflect His glory.
- Fourth “The Lord lift His countenance upon you…. God is fully present, looking at you right this moment
- Finally, “And give you peace”. Undivided, undisturbed peace. God’s gift through us to the person we are blessing.
How will you give away a blessing now? What will you do? How was it for you? How was it for the person you blessed?
We are blessed to be a blessing. “May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and give you peace.” Our home in the country is one way we have been blessed to be a blessing. It will be a place for women to come away for the day and enjoy time for retreat.
Let me know how you look for ways to a blessing at NancyBoothCoaching facebook page.