Designed Service

“You came to greet him with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure gold on his head.” Psalms 21:3

When I first read this verse, my mind jumped to Jesus Christ. Of course, it is about the King of Kings being crowned. However, the King of Kings was not crowned with gold and this is an Old Testament verse. Perhaps, there is more to the story. Looking at the whole chapter, it is a song of praise, giving thanks to the Lord for the many blessings showered on a king.

Reading it again, I noticed that the king was showered in blessings, because he asked. He said a prayer and his prayer was answered, and as each prayer was answered, the king gave thanks to the Lord. It reminded of a metaphor I once heard in church that used the water cycle to illustrate prayers and blessings. Our prayers go up and the blessings rain down.

Reading it again, I noticed that it discusses enemies. The king did not worry about his enemies because he trusted the Lord to take care of it. Sounds like a common theme. Romans 8:31 also says, “If God is for us, then who can be against us.” (NIV)

At this time in my life, I feel I am my own worst enemy. I pray. I try. But I seem to be hit right and left by hiccups and brick walls. My heart aches for my family. I want to help them; bless them; give them a good life, but I can barely take care of myself. How can this verse mean anything to me?

That is the beauty of the Bible. It is packed full of meaning that relates on many levels to reach person where they are. Psalms 21 is a beautiful chapter of hope and joy; thanksgiving and courage. These are things I need to keep going. I will claim joy, thanksgiving, boldness and courage; and I will ask the Lord to rain blessings on me and all those who are around me.

“because of your father’s God, who helps you, because of the Almighty, who blesses you with blessings of the skies above, blessings of the deep springs below, blessings of the breast and womb.” Genesis 49:25 (NIV)

This verse gives me hope that blessings are coming. I am thankful for the blessings we have had; our children; our home; our provision; my puppies (God love the little stinkers). Though things have been tough, there are stories worse than mine. I am thankful for God’s protection and deliverance. I give thanks to the Lord, though I don’t think my special need’s son situation is ideal; I do believe my son is safe and well cared for. If I must give my son into the hands of strangers, I am thankful that God’s hand has been there to guide us and open doors to find a safe place where he is cared for.
I am also thankful for the blessings showered on my older son. He just finished his first year of college with a 4.0 GPA. God has blessed us with provisions from family members that made it possible for him to go to college. My son has not squandered this opportunity but embraced it, and I am thankful. My son has also been blessed with a full-time job for the summer. As we look at finite and dwindling resources, I am thankful that the Lord knows what we need before we do.
The Bible verse reminds me that God’s blessings are limitless. However, as I try to look forward to blessings for myself, my children and all that I know; I can’t help but be reminded of how God has blessed us already. I am thankful.

“All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God” Deuteronomy 28:2 (NIV)

Obey and you will be blessed. There are a lot of rules in the Bible especially in the Old Testament. But we live in a time after the New Testament; after the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We must remember our roots in the Old Testament; the Ten Commandments are just as true today as they were back then. We must also remember the love Jesus gave us and the mercy and the grace.

For me right now, on my current path, I think it is telling me as long as I keep my faith in the Lord and am not afraid; I will be blessed. It has been a bumpy road for me and fear has come to cripple me. But thank the Lord, God has sent people into my life to encourage and revitalize me. I will draw on their strength and stand up and walk forward without fear.

My favorite prayer is, “God’s will be done.” I believe God is love. I believe God is grace. I believe God has a plan. I will claim this verse in Jesus’ name that I will be blessed if only I trust in the Lord with all my heart. And Bonus, if you read the rest of the chapter in Deuteronomy, if I obey, I am not the only one who will be blessed so will my children, my work, my city, and more. God’s will be done.