In the south, we love saying all kinds of phrases that have to do with bless you. We joke that most of the time “Bless your heart” is phrase laced in irony.
I’ve been reading through the Psalms and something that hit me was just how many times we are told to bless the Lord. So I asked myself: WHAT IS BLESS??
And I honestly didn’t know.
It’s kind of like . . . wish good on?
– define it –
this is such a digressive exercise for me bc i just start trying to define the definition too and then i get lost
- to hallow or consecrate
- speak well of
- glorify (to make glorious by bestowing honor, praise, or admiration; to elevate to celestial glory; to represent as glorious)
- praise (to glorify especially by the attribution of perfections)
Okay, so bless looks like it basically means speaking well of God so that His attributes and perfection are magnified in the eyes of others. It’s appreciating who God is and wanting to visibly declare that.
– let’s make it practical –
How can we bless God? One of the most obvious ways would be by worshiping Him . . . but what is worshiping?
Worshiping encompasses singing (play worship songs on your instrument; try your hand at writing a piece; sing the Psalms out loud; really think about the words of songs when you’re singing in church).
Worshiping encompasses doing devotions to learn more about God. Worshiping encompasses prayer (start a prayer journal; grab an accountability partner; find a prayer buddy; use the moments of your day when you aren’t doing anything else to pray).
Worshiping could also be talking about God. You talk about the things you love, and if you love God you’ll talk about Him! Tell people about what He did for you this summer; this month; this week; TODAY.
Finally, worshiping are the tasks we do. It’s the things you’re awful at (playing a sport; baking; math) and the things you’re good at (playing the violin; encouraging people; running long distance). Find God in the everyday things of life and you’ll find yourself blessing Him.
The moment I realized that worshiping is a lifestyle, my life was changed. I thought worshiping was sitting in a pew and singing hymns. But it’s not! Worshiping is a constant state of blessing the Lord in every single task you find yourself doing; every word you find yourself saying; every person you find yourself meeting.
– don’t forget this –
- Print it out
Send it to your friend via pigeon- Stick it in a binder
- Make your own applications
– a smol list of blessing God –
When you’re running: Use that time to pray to God. Thank Him for the nature surrounding you and even the ability to run. Thank Him for the fresh air, for the time to run, for the blood pumping through your system.
When you’re playing an instrument: Try your hand at composing a song. Seem too scary? Write lyrics for an already published tune. Learn how to play your favorite hymn.
When you’re showering: List all the things you’re faithful for.
When you’re walking to class: Text a friend and let them know you’re praying for them. Ask if they’d like to have lunch together (who knows; maybe they’re having a bad day and just need to chat!).
When you’re waiting for class to start: Ask your seat-mate how you can pray for them or share what you learned in devos.
