God is the source of all our blessings, but sometimes He'll use other people as instruments to bless us. It's right for us to thank people when they've done something we appreciate, but we mustn’t forget that God's the centre and the source; if we do, we can begin to depend on people rather than Him. We might get upset with a tutor because we didn’t get the grade we think we deserved for an assignment, or get angry with a friend or family member because they refused to lend us some money or help us with something. If any of these scenarios sound familiar, it could be a sign that you're relying on people and not God.

Let’s think about these Scriptures: ‘You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth’ (Deuteronomy 8:17-18 NIV). ‘When God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them…this is a gift of God’ (Ecclesiastes 5:19 NIV). ‘She doesn’t realise it was I who gave her everything she has’ (Hosea 2:8 NLT). All these verses remind us that God is the true source.

We usually put effort into relationships that are rewarding, and that’s important information because when we recognise God as the source of all love and blessings, we'll commit to nurturing our relationship with Him. That’s why Jesus said, ‘Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well’ (Matthew 6:33 NIV). When we pursue God, sow generously into His kingdom, and trust Him to meet our needs, our faith will grow and we'll notice His hand and blessings everywhere.

What Now?

As you go about your day, try to say thank you to God for as many things as possible. That’ll mean thinking about lots of small things that you might not normally notice, but it’ll really help remind you that God’s the source of all good things!