Too Blessed to Be Stressed

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When life gets overwhelming, we tend to forget the blessings in our life. With the kid’s ten different extracurricular activities, marriage or relationship problems, and juggling our finances it can be difficult to not be incredibly stressed out. The last thing on our minds is feeling blessed when we have 5 minutes to get to our next meeting.

However, when we let this stress rule over our lives we forget to appreciate the small things. We might forget to say thank you to a coworker who went above and beyond, or drop the ball on communication in our relationship with God. Over time, we lose the gratitude and appreciation we have for the blessings in our life.

Don’t let your gratefulness diminish any further. These eight short devotions will help you focus on what really matters in life and give you ideas on how you can be more thankful.

Aging Gratefully

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“I will still be the same when you are old and gray, and I will take care of you.” Isaiah 46:4

As we grow older, our bodies begin to change. Woman’s hips extend to new horizons on the east, our previously robust skin begins to droop, and veins pop up in the most unlikely places. But instead of criticizing the body we have, shouldn’t we appreciate the years and maturity we have been blessed with? After decades of trial and error, we finally are able to get a grip on our unique sets of girts and abilities. We are able to understand how to best use them for God’s glory. Our eyesight might be deteriorating, but our insight is keener than ever. Appreciate your ability to take your eyes off the mirror and focus on what’s more important.

Crazy About My Kids

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“Children are a gift of the Lord.” Psalm 127:3

Children are a gift and a blessing…even if sometimes it feels like a mixed blessing. All the times that we holler and shutter at the silly and downright terrible things our kids do, we are still full of love and crazy for them. There are times you want to run away and hide because the stress can get crazy. Having a kid is like buying your first house; you’re all in and fully committed. There is no turning back and life as you knew it changes forever. Yet, we would do it all over again. Why? Because we are crazy in love with the children God has blessed us with. No matter what your children do today, hug them and say: “Thank you for all the smiles you bring our family.”

Quiet Time with God

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“My response is to get down on my knees before the Father.” Ephesians 3:14

As much as we might hate to admit it, God doesn’t need or want us to tell Him what He should do. He wants to hear from us, absolutely, but what brings the Lord happiness is our devotion to His plan. That means prayer; creating open lines of communication with God that serve as a dialogue. It means both speaking and listening. We can pray anytime, anywhere. It’s a huge blessing to know that we can speak to God at any moment in our lives…the good and the bad moments. Prayer knows no rules so just pray. Pure, unplugged, heart-tuned-in communication with your best friend is all you need.

Joyful Laughter

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“God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.” Genesis 21:6

Laughter is a blessing from the Lord. It’s the best stress-reliever there is. Through laughter, we can get through some of the darkest moments in life with a small smile. We can become closer with the people around us, celebrate moments of joy, and be thankful for the best friends we have. Laughter and smiles are the best universal communication available. Everyone understands the happiness that comes from laughter and its necessity in our daily lives. Today, laugh a little harder. Smile a little bigger. Appreciate the things that make you feel just that good.

Heavenly Angels from Above

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“Angels are merely spirits sent to serve people who are going to be saved.” Hebrews 1:14

Some people have been surrounded by angels their whole life and have never even noticed. God has an army full of angels ready to take care of you in ways you never thought possible. Stories of miracles are out there if you just ask others. You may not have known, but if you think back on your life you might find examples where an angel intervened. God’s army is here to serve those who need to see and hear God just a little more in that moment. If you think you have been touched by an angel, pray to God and thank Him. If you haven’t, thank God for using His army to help those around you who are struggling a little more with their faith.

Material Possessions are Just “Stuff”

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“God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for Him.” Hebrews 6:10

Have you ever sat and wondered why you didn’t have everything? Why you didn’t get a major pay raise, why you only can afford so much, or why you can’t buy a certain house for your family? Take this into consideration: it’s God’s plan, not ours. However small our processions may seem, God is providing us with the items we need. He is not being unjust by providing someone else with more or less. God will bless you in unexpected ways if you continue to serve Him. Remember, the material possessions we have are just “stuff” that clutters our lives. The ultimate goal lies in our eternal salvation in Heaven, where our material possessions will just be a figment of our past.

Your One and Only Son

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“If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

The biggest and most amazing blessing that God gave the world was His one and only son. God gave us Jesus to rid us of our sins and allow us a way to spend eternity in the glorious heavens. The Lord replaces our infected heart with a clean, fresh start when we receive the gift of salvation. If you haven’t done so, pray to God that you may understand and accept His blessing and salvation when you are ready. If you already accept the Lord into your heart, pause and remember how you felt when you first accepted Him. Remember that feeling and celebrate it. Thank God for giving you this opportunity.