Thankful to God From Whom all Blessings Flow

Welcome to the second week of a thanksgiving series as we look at being thankful to God.

“Blessings!”

Lately, I’ve formed a word-habit in my online replies. I throw out the word over and over again.

Blessings! Thanks and blessings! I pray blessings over your ministry. Blessings to you and your family! God bless!

See what I mean? I quite overuse the word.

But do I realize what’s behind the well wishes? And do I give thanksgiving for my blessings?

Thankful to God: Vast Blessings

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.

When we consider the shocking amount of ways God blesses us, it's difficult to really count or name each one. #Godisgood Share on X

Of course, we all count ourselves blessed with family and friends. Also, blessed in how God provides for our daily needs of food, shelter, the jobs we hold, and so on.

And who’s not giving thanks these days for health? I pray to never take a healthy body for granted. Or, the physical well-being of my spouse, children, and grandchildren.

But there are times we forget, even as Christ-followers. So we need reminding of the vast blessings from a gracious God, too numerous to even count.

Blessed is Our Generous God

For example, take the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Church at Ephesus. After he greets the saints who were faithful in Christ, he says this.

“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, emphasis mine).

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

Yet, 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.

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 Share on X

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.

What a blessing! Seems to me we receive the grand part of this truth—God’s favor, protection, provision, and more. A truth lending itself for thanksgiving to a good and generous God.

Thankful to God: 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
• Loved by God
• Adopted by the heavenly Father
• Riches of grace lavished on us
• Redeemed through Jesus’ blood
• Forgiven of trespasses
• Spiritual wisdom and revelation
• Insight to know God’s will
• Plan and purpose for our life
• Spiritual inheritance
• Hope in Christ
• Truth
• Peace
• Gospel of Salvation
• Sealed with the Holy Spirit
• Enlightened hearts
• Greatness of God’s power working in us

Thankful to God: All Blessings Flow From Him

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

• Mercy
• Faith
• Steadfastness
• Prayer
• 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.

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

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

Two reflections that go hand-in-hand: Am I faithful in Christ and thankful to God?

All Scripture references taken from the ESV.

Featured images taken by my husband filming for our YouTube channel, Friday’s Forever.

If you missed last week’s article: Growing Grateful and Generous Hearts

Sometimes I participate in these link-ups:

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

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© 2021 by Karen Friday, All rights reserved