Lately, I’ve been realizing that so much of the steely resolve I currently have is borne of the quiet place.
When I was younger, nobody would have described me as firm in any way. In fact, I was so afraid of everyone and everything that I just sat quietly a lot. I also never used to defend myself. I never spoke up when I was treated cruelly or unfairly. I was a punching bag for the dominant.
Then God…
He came into my heart and showed me that I too have value. You see, I could always see everyone else had value, but struggled so hard to admit that I too could have an opinion or be blessed. I literally remember the first time I prayed for God to bless me. For years before that, I had asked God to bless all those around me. I had fought for the future of others, in prayer. I had been a cheerleader for the dreams of those I loved but couldn’t imagine doing something like that for myself.
Then one day, God put it on my heart to ask for Him to bless me. When I first uttered the words, I could feel them hanging in the air. A Holy Spirit chill went through my whole body and I felt the pleasure of the Lord.
From that day forward, I have asked God to bless me every single day. Yes, I still ask Him to bless others, but I never overlook myself. Now I feel so certain about many things. I feel certain that He delights in me. He loves to spend time with me and I know I make Him proud.
You were made as a blessing to Him, why wouldn’t he bless you?
I wanted to take the opportunity today to encourage you to find your quiet place and then simply go before Him and ask for His blessing. He is willing. His arms are wide. He loves you.
The beautiful part about it all is this, when you begin to let Him bless you more and more, you’ll desire to see Him bless others more too. In fact, you’ll likely begin to seek out more ways to bless others. It’s a beautiful exchange.
God is so good. He’s so good to me.
Prayer Moment: God, today I lay aside all other thoughts and agendas and I simply come to you as a child and ask for You to bless me. Would You extend Your hand of favor and blessing over me and open my eyes to Your presence more and more? I long for You. In the quiet place I learn to know You better. God, please never stop revealing Yourself to me. I am Yours. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Who, then, is the man that fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him. He will spend his days in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land. The Lord confides in those who fear Him; He makes His covenant known to them. My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only He will release my feet from the snare. Psalm 25:12-15
365 Days in the Presence 