Giving Thanks for Every Spiritual Blessing

It’s that time of year when we focus on giving thanks.

Likewise, we’ve heard it said to count our blessings. 

But if we look at the shocking amount of blessings God extends to us, they are hard to number.

Maybe you give thanks for family, friends, shelter, provision, and health.

Still, God has promised us every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus.

Perhaps our hearts need reminding of these spiritual blessings from God’s Word.

Giving Thanks to Our Generous God

In Paul’s letter to the Church at Ephesus, he first greets the saints who were faithful, then he continues:

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us IN Christ with EVERY spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 1:3 (ESV, emphasis added)

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us IN Christ with EVERY spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 1:3 (ESV, emphasis added) #givethanks Share on X

First, Paul calls God “blessed.” We bless Him as our Father.

But I find it interesting how we bless God, then go on to state the reason is none other than the fact He has blessed us. And not only blessed, but in Christ, we’re blessed with every spiritual blessing.

If we draw out the forms of the word “bless” to summarize, here’s what it says in a nutshell.

Blessed be God, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing.

Wow! It should really motivate us in giving thanks to a good and generous God.

Giving Thanks for Spiritual Blessings 

The letter to the church at Ephesus goes on to remind us of the many spiritual blessings in chapter 1:

Chosen by God– “Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.” (v. 4)

Loved and adopted by the heavenly Father– “In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.” (v.5)

Riches of grace lavished on us, redeemed through Jesus’ blood, forgiven of trespasses and spiritual wisdom and revelation– “To the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us.” (vv. 6-8)

Insight to know God’s will, plan and purpose for life– “Making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ.” (v.9)

Spiritual inheritance– “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.” (v.11)

Hope in Christ– “So that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.” (v.12)

Word of truth, gospel of our salvation, and sealed with the Holy Spirit– “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.” (v.13)

"In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit." Ephesians 1:13 ESV #givethanks Share on X

Enlightened hearts– “Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.” (v.18)

Greatness of God’s power– “And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places.” (vv.19-20)

Thankful to God: All Blessings Flow From Him

But Paul’s writings here aren’t exhaustive. When I reflect on “every spiritual blessing,” I think of:

God’s long-suffering toward me.

God’s acts of providence in my life.

Comfort during troubled times.

The Lord’s voice leading me.

Second, third, fourth, and countless chances for messing up.

Spiritual discipline (not pleasant, but yields a great reward).

Relationship with the Creator.

Strength for times of waiting.

Healing for physical ailments and a wounded heart.

The privilege to minister in Jesus’ name.

Ability to overcome the world.

God’s glory seen in me and my callings.

There’s more, so much more! Oh, the indescribable thanks to God from whom all blessings flow—straight into our laps and lives.

Oh, the indescribable thanks to God from whom all blessings flow—straight into our laps and lives. #givethanks Share on X

Are You Giving Thanks?

Let’s truly be a people of God who calls Him, Blessed, meaning it and living it out in our daily lives.

Are you giving thanks to God for every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places? And not just this time of year but all year long?

All Scripture references ESV.

Last week we discussed 8 Ingredients for a Thankful Heart.

Featured images used from our YouTube Channel, Friday’s Forever.

Sometimes I participate in these link-ups:

Legacy Linkup/Inspire Me Monday/Tell His Story/Recharge Wednesday/Let’s Have Coffee/Tune in Thursday/Embracing the Unexpected (Grace & Truth).

---

© 2022 by Karen Friday, All rights reserved