Pastor’s Corner: “Hidden Blessings”
Job 5:18 (NIV) – 18 For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal. James 1:17 (NIV) – 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Am I oblivious to God’s hidden blessings in my everyday life? When my health is good, do I take it for granted or do I give thanks? When it’s bad, do I complain first or do I thank God for my prior good health? Likewise, when a project goes well, do I congratulate myself on my exceptional foresight, skill, and hard work? Or do I thank God for giving me skills and help? When a project falls apart, do I blame God or do I acknowledge how my past successes may have depended on Him?
Hidden Blessings in unmet Expectations: Often times the biggest blessings come in our lives when we do not get what we want or calamity comes un-expectantly. While at first glance it appears that these are anything but blessings, upon time and reflection the reality of God’s protection and blessings become apparent in the midst of not getting what we want or in the pan and struggle. God is bringing the most amazing blessings in what appear on the surface to be hidden. Do we trust God’s love and character enough to look beyond the surface to see what is hidden; even when we don’t get what we want or in the middle of pain and trouble? Sometimes God’s biggest gifts/blessings in our lives do not come in pretty wrappings.
God’s hidden blessings come daily and they are beyond counting. Psalm 71:12-15 (NIV) – 12 Do not be far from me, my God; come quickly, God, to help me. 13 May my accusers perish in shame; may those who want to harm me be covered with scorn and disgrace. 14 As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. 15 My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long— though I know not how to relate them all. Psalm 71 tells us that every day God acts for our good in ways we don’t even know about.
Praise for God’s Hidden Blessings. The psalmist described his dilemma (struggle and pain), recounted God’s character, and recalled God’s past help. He saw God’s saving hand everywhere. He knew God acted daily in his life. And then something happens: He remembers his purpose is to tell others what God has done for him—a purpose that old age can’t rob from him. He announces how he’s going to do just that, for God does so much for him in twenty-four hours that he doesn’t even know the extent of God’s help! Looking back, he remembered that even when God made him see calamities, God always revived him. He acknowledged that God delivered him more times than he knew. And so he praised God.
Noticing God’s Hidden Blessings: The psalmist’s attitude isn’t natural. It’s easier to forget God when things go well and blame him when things go wrong. Ironically, people who are quick to grumble that God didn’t intervene in misfortune seem slowest to acknowledge the God’s hand in blessings. Conversely, those who are attune to God’s blessing begin to see his blessings even in the midst of hardship:
- Jacob held to God’s promises, despite grief over news of his son’s death. He was unaware the young man was alive and in God’s care.
- Joseph obeyed God, despite betrayal and false imprisonment. He was oblivious to God’s plan for him to save his family.
- David sang of God’s faithfulness, despite King Saul’s jealous pursuit. He didn’t know how God would fulfill his promise to make him king.
- Daniel prayed faithfully, despite the king’s edict against prayer. He wasn’t privy to God’s purpose to use this to proclaim his power throughout the empire.
- Paul sang hymns, despite imprisonment. He didn’t suspect God planned an earthquake to open the prison doors.
Lord, every day I face situations that are frustrating, bothersome and even painful, yet I know that nothing comes into my life that You are not aware of. Open my eyes to see the hidden blessings that lie behind my negative perspective, and let me rejoice in Your great goodness to me.
In His Grace,
Pastor Hamilton