Reflection

I have tried to imagine myself as part of a group of people who have travelled some distance to come to Jerusalem for a particular festival. As they walk that pilgrimage through the desert, they would sing Psalms like this one. There would be a lifting of voices, asking God for his blessing upon their lives. Who doesn’t want the blessing of God upon their life? Then, in the distance, as they lift their eyes to the horizon, they see a city. It is the city of their ancestors – a city they would have dreamed of seeing, and now there it is before them. It is Jerusalem. Without exaggeration, I imagine tears would have flowed, and voices would be raised even louder in song.

Then as their voices formed that clarion call for the blessing of God, the Psalm which was sung reminded everyone what the true purpose of a blessing really is. God’s blessing does not fall selfishly upon you for your sake alone. With the pilgrim’s eyes upon Jerusalem, there is the reminder that we are not to keep the ‘blessing,’ but pass it on to the city and to the nation.

The blessing of God is never for me alone. This Psalm reminds us that we are to steward the blessing of God not through a series of ‘bless me petitions,’ nor to bury those blessings in the earth of inaction but to utilise God’s blessings for OTHERS. This Psalm reminds me that Christianity is synonymous with ‘others.’ My trust in God is not miserly held closely for me but is liberally given to my community.

Prayer

Lord God, forgive me for the many times that I have prayed for you to bless me, and I have forgotten that your blessings flow into my life as a conduit for others. Lord, make me mindful of those around me that need my generosity and love. Open my eyes to the opportunities that you place before me and give me the courage and bravery to be a blessing to others. I am so thankful for your blessings, Lord, and for your wisdom as to how I can bless others.