Read Psalms 66:1 through 68:35; Acts 21:1–26
“God bless you!”
Many people can not count the number of times someone has said these words to them or the number of times they have said those words to someone else. And, that’s not surprising. It has become a common expression— almost a cliché—among Christians. Not so for the Psalmist.
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us (Psalm 67:1).
These were heartfelt words that addressed a very real desire for God’s favor, but not just for his own people. The Psalmist saw the bigger picture and understood God’s purpose was so much greater than just to bless the nation. He recognized that it was God’s intent to bless them so they would be a blessing—so that other nations would come to know God’s ways and experience His salvation.
God’s plan is no different today. The blessings He pours out on His people are meant to have a ripple effect of blessing on others as Christians share their testimonies of God’s goodness, faithfulness, and grace.
CHALLENGE FOR TODAY: How can God use you today to bless others?
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