When have you asked God the question, “How do You want to bless my family, Lord?”

For me, I am often asking God a laundry list of things I would like Him to do for my family.  Provide this.  Do that.  Protect at this time.  However, recently someone challenged me to ask God how He might want to bless my family and look at things from His perspective.  It was refreshing for me and I felt I might share it with you.

I. Start with expressing gratitude to God

Always give thanks to Father God for every person he brings into your life in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20 TPT

When I consider the work of His hands in my family, my gratitude list surprises me. WIth the recent anniversary of the pandemic, I lam reflecting on the blessings that I am still experiencing as well as the blessings that occur on a daily basis.

For me, I became intentional in connecting with the family by Zoom or otherwise.  I realized the value of making memories.   Technology tallowed us to see each other’s faces. My granddaughters and I chat now even after these four years. We read stories and play Wordle and Memory. I get glimpses of their lives, like a tour of a newly decorated bedroom, a recently learned, lilting clarinet piece, and a colorful, intricate landscape on canvas. We laugh and create memories for the years to come.

What connections did you make during the pandemic?  What have you noticed that you can thank God for from that period?

II. Consider what blessings He has brought into your life

The definition of blessing is a special gift, mercy or benefit brought into your life.  Perhaps, despite challenges, you have seen relationships strengthened, gifts and skills uncovered, and even unexplained miracles in your life.  Often challenges and hard times offer opportunities to grow in ways we would not have otherwise.

For me, my marriage grew stronger, after a painful valley.  He blessed us by going through that valley.  He wants to bless our family by strengthening our relationships with our grandchildren and adult children. I still find I want to work more than my body wants me to so I look to God for guidance on how to navigate the migraines. However, I have been blessed by a food recovery program that eliminated flour and sugar from my diet and greatly reduced the number of migraines I now experience.

What blessings and projects did you realize that you wouldn’t have otherwise?

III. How does God want to bless your family?

Take some time to be quiet before God and listen to what thoughts occur to you when you sit with that question, “How do you want to bless my family, God?”  You may be surprised at the answers you get. He may bring verses or specific thoughts to mind.  Enjoy His peace and His answers.

Here is what He promises each of us from Numbers 6:23-27 as we look to Him for blessing.

May the Lord bless you
    and protect you.
 May the Lord smile on you
    and be gracious to you.
 May the Lord show you his favor
    and give you his peace.’

Whenever Aaron and his sons bless the people of Israel in my name, I myself will bless them.”  

So as we bless our family in God’s name, He blesses us.

How will you do that?  And how can you watch for His blessings?

I would love to know what He whispers over you.  He delights in you.  Let me know.

Blessings,

Nancy

As a spiritual director and author, I walk with people who want to hear and see God more clearly and develop a special intimacy with Him. If this post is helpful to you, could you share it with others?  Or if there is a way that I can pray specifically for you, would you reply to this post?  I want to be of service to you in your life and the lives of others. My book, Want to Hear God, Connect with Him in Prayer may also be helpful. 

I look forward to walking with you “for such a time as this.”