Bless God!

You hear it everywhere you go. Regardless of what public area or event you attend, if someone were to sneeze, the immediate response from a nearby hearer would be “God bless you!” This response has become so ingrained in us as a common courtesy in our society that we don’t have to think twice about it. You don’t have to know the person who sneezed, nor do you even need a true relationship with God to be in the habit of using this common expression.

And how many times have you or people you’ve known ended letters or conversations with a cordial “God Bless,” as well? Now, don’t get me wrong. Wishing God’s blessings upon people is wonderful and should absolutely continue. Words of kindness can touch and change their heart. However, what if I told you that you could also touch God’s heart simply by changing the words around? That’s right. Instead of just saying “God Bless,” you could learn to say “Bless God!”

The bible makes plenty of references as to how we should bless God, especially in the book of Psalms. Here are just a few examples:

Psalm 34:1

“I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise will always be on my lips.”

Psalm 103:1

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.”

Psalm 103:22

“Bless the Lord, all His creation, in all places of dominion…”

Psalm 134:2

“Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord.”

What we can glean from these scriptures is that blessing God has to do with praising and worshipping Him. This glorifies His name and blesses His heart. In addition to acknowledging Him as the deserving, praiseworthy Father that He is, blessing God is also about thanking Him for what He has done. In biblical times, it was common practice for God’s people to use the expression “Blessed be the Lord” as a way of expressing gratitude for His good works. Consider the following scripture verses:

Exodus 18:10

So Jethro said, “Blessed be the Lord who delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of Pharaoh…”

Ruth 4:14

Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord who has not left you without a redeemer today…”

1 Kings 5:7

When Hiram heard the words of Solomon, he rejoiced greatly and said, “Blessed be the Lord today, who has given to David a wise son over this great people.”

1 Samuel 25:32

Then David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me.”

Imagine how impactful it would be if we were more mindful of God’s goodness in our everyday lives. Imagine if it were just as automatic for people to “Bless God” as it is for them to say “God bless.” God has already blessed us so much; it only seems fair that we bless Him back!

MOVE. MEASURE. MARCH.

March On!

Letty Roy