The Blessing of the Blessing

In our present existence, plenty is often not a faithful friend of our hearts.

"I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God" (Luke 12:19-21).

Certainly we thank God for His blessings, and enjoy them with gratitude and appreciation. "God... giveth us richly all things to enjoy" (I Timothy 6:17). However, we so easily succumb to the deceiving nature of things, setting our hearts on dust quickly blown away and which never can fulfill. The Bible is replete with warning about such deception, and we ignore our inherent human weakness regarding the matter to our own peril.

It is best that we seek to be "rich toward God." As with our forefather Abraham, God is our "exceeding great reward" (Genesis 15:1). Our hearts were made for Him rather than for possessions and things. We could lose everything we possess, and if He remains, we will have lost nothing. Let me repeat that: we could lose everything we possess, and if He remains, we will have lost nothing. The Lord Jesus Christ is the joy of every joy, that is, "every good gift and every perfect gift" fills and fulfills us because our blessed Savior is the true essence of God's provision in all things.

"My God shall provide all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).

There is no peace like this peace, the peace of knowing, believing and affirming that "by Christ Jesus" supplies "all your need." A Person is our provision, regardless of the innumerable forms and expressions whereby He is freely given to us. Indeed, in this moment, think of something or even someone precious to your heart. Then remember as you give thanks and appreciate the blessing that the heart of the gift, the true Blessing of the blessing, is the crucified, risen and ascended Lord Jesus. He is Himself the gift of God to us in all things - "all your need... by Christ Jesus." Having Him, we have all, and we could lose all without truly losing anything.

"Thou art my portion, o Lord."

(Psalm 119:57)