Devotionals for the Heart: How giving and receiving blessings creates joy

The Joy of Accepting Blessings
A devotional by Melissa Henderson

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”—James 1:17 (NIV)

I looked forward to attending a writer’s retreat where I would share writing ideas, fellowship with other writers, learn how to improve my writing craft as I sat in workshops, collaborate on devotions, meet with literary agents, and have other rich experiences. Every retreat I attended in the past was filled with laughter and a few tears. The relationships between these writers were strengthened by God.

However, my plans to attend the writer’s retreat changed when arthritic pain in my neck and back intensified. My heart ached when I decided not to attend. Through my decision to stay home, I soon learned the joy of accepting blessings. I sent emails and texts alerting my group of friends that I would not be attending our retreat. Immediately, the responses flooded my inbox: “Oh, Melissa, we’ll miss you. Are you sure you can’t attend?” “What can we do to help?” The compassion and love from the group warmed my heart. Each person covered me with precious prayers and blessings.

After that outpouring of love, I began to feel awkward about letting the group down. The plan was for a dear friend and me to share a room at the rental house. That would help with cost. Most of all, we love sharing time together. This special friend sent a message that she would refund the payment for my part of the room. I explained that she didn’t need to give any money back to me. My anxiety began to surface. I worried about accepting that check from my friend. I thought: “What if she needed that money?” “How could I accept her offer?”

But then, God began to speak to me in wonderful ways. He reminded me that sometimes we need to accept blessings from others. There is no need to feel awkward or embarrassed when someone offers to help. Yet, I am encouraged and inspired when I’m the person who is offering a blessing by helping someone in need. God reminded me through Scripture that every good and perfect gift is from Him. There are times when we can bless others with our words and actions. There are other times when we need to be blessed.

I accepted the check from my friend. That money was needed for an unexpected expense. God knew what was needed. My friend listened to God and blessed my husband and me. Accepting a blessing can bless the giver and the receiver. What a beautiful way to share God’s love and glory!

Today, I paused to think about different types of blessings. We bless people when we acknowledge them, look them in the eyes, and say hello. Listening and hearing what is being said can show God’s love to someone who needs to share about something happening in their life.

I also considered the Blessing Box that my husband and I fill at different times during the month. A team of volunteers from our church are assigned a week to fill the box with food and personal hygiene items. One of our team members recently shared that a man approached him while he was placing items into the box. The stranger thanked him for the food and toiletries.

I also remembered a time when my neighbor was exiting her vehicle this morning and sneezed loud enough to make us laugh. I said, “God bless you.” She responded with a smile and a “thank you”. She said that sneezing made her jump. A simple blessing over a sneeze allowed two neighbors to share a conversation.

I have learned the joy of accepting blessings, and it has encouraged my heart. Have you been blessed in a special way?

Let’s Pray: Dear God, thank You for big and small blessings. Each one is provided by You. May we look for ways to bless others every day. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

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Song of Reflection #1: “Counting My Blessings” by Seph Schlueter. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “So So Good” by Phil Wickham, Brandon Lake, Elevation Worship. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Blessings Everywhere (Live from the Loft)” feat. Brandon Lake and Elevation Worship. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Brighter Days” by Blessing Offor. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Award-winning author Melissa Henderson writes inspirational messages sometimes humming with humor. 

With articles, devotions, and stories in print publications and online, Melissa shares her love for God and life. Some of the inspirations for her writing come from family life.

Melissa and her husband Alan have been married for over 46 years. Their son Mike, and daughter-in-love Christine have blessed the family with two precious children: Rowan and Eden. These precious souls bring laughter, love, and many funny experiences, which can often be found in Melissa’s writing. The family motto is: It’s Always a Story with the Hendersons.

Melissa is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) South Carolina Lowcountry Chapter, AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), CWFL (Christian Writers for Life), and many other organizations.

Melissa’s books for children include Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator.

Melissa serves in Christian ministry as an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.

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Connect with Melissa:
Website: https://melissaghenderson.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaHendersonAuthor
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