We have an elderly loved one who has suffered a series of strokes. Her last stroke robbed her of virtually all sight on her left side. Consequently, particularly with previous diminished capacity in her right eye, she has a difficult time seeing things in her surroundings. To her, it is a real blessing when family comes to see her. She also loves to have many sentimental family antiques. Yet often when these, and other, blessings are right in front of her, she either can’t see them at all, or she fails to recognize what they are.

It is often the case that Christians fail to see, or to recognize in their minds and hearts, all the ways in which God has so richly blessed us. We learn from Ephesians 1:3 that “…the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ…hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.” What kind of spiritual blessing do we have based on our salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ? “The middle wall of partition” (Ephesians 2:14) separating us from God, has been broken down. We have been “quickened [made spiritually alive] together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses” (Colossians 2:13). Believers are now “the righteousness of God” in Christ (II Corinthians 5:21). We are sealed with eternal security, justified, given access to God through prayer, and given hundreds of other spiritual blessing. But we must not be shortsighted. God has also showered us with many blessing that would not be characterized as those “in heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:3). Paul taught that we are to give God thanks for food (Romans 14:6). This implies that the Lord ultimately provides our food, the money to buy it, the health to earn it, and the employment to make it possible. Saints of old saw children (or family), rain, God’s written Word, friends, homes, wealth, open doors to serve the Lord, safety in travel, protection from wrongdoers, and much more, all as blessings from God. We need to see that “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17).

If we fail to look beyond our spiritual blessing in Christ to also see the daily blessings provided by the hand of God, we will miss the joy of comprehending all His blessings. Be alert to all of God’s blessed provisions and make a written list for which you can give Him thanks.