In his book Outlive Your Life, author Max Lucado says the Greek word for ‘blessed,’ makarios, was the name of an island off Greece. It was known as ‘the blessed island’ because it was self-contained. The residents didn’t need to leave it in order to get their needs met. The natural resources of this island were so rich that everything needed to enjoy life was already there. And that’s the same with God’s kingdom. The moment we trust in Christ as our Saviour, He becomes our king and we begin living in His kingdom. We don’t have to leave it and go elsewhere to find what we need, because it’s all around us in the island of blessing. The Bible says: ‘Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well’ (Matthew 6:33 NIV). We don’t have to strive for God’s blessing; we simply have to trust Him and receive it. He promises to provide for our needs. We’re not always good at recognising God’s blessings in our lives. If they don’t appear miraculous, we can think they’re not from God. But ‘every good and perfect gift is from above’ (James 1:17 NIV). And God may use different ways to give us the blessings. He will bless us at different times, through different people, in different ways. But He’s the source of the blessing. God has so many good things for us. In fact the Bible says: ‘How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you’ (Psalm 31:19 NIV).

What Now?

Write a list of all the blessings God’s given you – no matter how big or small they may seem. And then spend some time thanking Him for them.