When God created man and woman, he blessed them an said, “Be fruitful and multiply.” God promised Abraham that he would bless Abraham so that Abraham would be a blessing. God instructed the priest to bless the nation. Paul wrote, “God has blessed us with every spiritual gift.”

Today, in America, we have reduced blessings to material items. “God has blessed with a new house, a shiny car, a nice vacation.” While I believe God wants to give his kids nice things, those things are not the totality of God’s blessing.

The priestly blessing was this:

““The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” ’”

Numbers 6:24-26 NKJV

The Lord bless you – God is speaking good things over you. Zephaniah says he is singing over us. Remember God’s words create. He is creating good things to surround you.

The Lord keep you – guard and protect you. Keep you safe from harm. Sustain you in difficult times.

The Lord makes His face shine upon you – grant you favor. His favor surrounds us like a shield. We are securely  ensconced in God’s favor and experience favor everywhere we go.

The Lord is gracious to us – He surrounds us in loving kindness. He has mercy upon us.

The Lord lift His countenance upon his – His face is towards us and is radiating upon us. He grants us divine approval. He is smiling upon us.

The Lord gives us peace – Shalom. Harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, tranquility, health, rest, free from war.

This is the blessing God has given us. His blessing is so much more than a nice house or a nice car. Declare the priestly prayer over your children, your life, your community. Know the blessing of the Lord is for us! Today.