"May the Lord bless you and protect you." - Numbers 6:24 NLT
During my junior year of high school, I was invited to take a week-long trip to Italy with my English teacher and a select group of students. I remember how excited I was to be invited and how hesitant I was to ask my parents. Due to the cost, I was afraid that I was being selfish and asking too much from them, and they would simply look for reasons to say no.
To my surprise, my parents not only said an enthusiastic yes, but made personal sacrifices so that we could afford the trip. Almost thirty years later, I still look back on that trip as one of the best experiences of my life.
Sometimes we have the same mindset about God that I had with my parents; that we’re asking “too much” of Him, that our prayers are selfish, and He’s just looking for reasons to say no to what we want.
In Numbers 6:24, Aaron prays a blessing over the nation of Israel as they wander in the wilderness. Aaron’s blessing reminds us that God not only wants good things for his children but is actively working to bless us in unexpected ways. That doesn’t mean God will give us everything we want; rather God wants to give us good things that will bless and protect us.
How are you wanting God to bless you today? What request are you holding back from Him because it feels like it’s too much, too selfish, or deep down you have this feeling that He just wants to answer all your prayers with a resounding “no?”
Take some time to be honest with the Lord about what is important to you and the doubts that you’re having. Remember that God is a good father who loves you, who wants to bless you, and who wants to have a closer relationship with you.
HIGHLIGHTED QUOTE: “God not only wants good things for his children but is actively working to bless us in unexpected ways.”
TIP OF THE DAY: As you go about your day, make a list of all the ways that you see God’s blessings in your life, both big and small. At the end of your day, take a few minutes to thank Him for how good He was to you, and ask Him to bless you in one area where you are longing to see more of His favor and goodness.
TALKING TO GOD: Heavenly Father, thank you that you love to do good things for me. Sometimes I get so bogged down by the busyness and disappointments of life that I forget that you want to do good things for me. As I go about my day, help me to be mindful of your blessings in my life, and help me to be a blessing to those I come across today.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
- How have you experienced God’s blessings and protection in the past?
- What are some areas where you are asking for God’s blessings and protection right now?
- What is one way you can be a blessing to someone in your life this week? How will you go about blessing them with a heart like Jesus?