Blessing

“When Esau heard his father’s words, he burst out with a loud and bitter cry and said to his father, Bless me – me too, my father!”                                        Gen. 27:34

Every time I read this story, it grips my heart.  Here is a grown man crying out bitterly to his dad for a blessing.  You know the story; Jacob deceives his father Isaac and steals the birthright that is rightfully intended for his brother Esau.  When Esau enters into the chambers of his dying father, he cries out for a blessing; something… anything that will affirm him from his father and will stay with him for the rest of his life.  This story ends with Esau weeping from a broken heart and stewing over a bitter grudge against his brother. (Gen. 27:30-41)

We don’t talk much about blessings these days and seldom are they offered with the same structure and ceremony as in Old Testament times.  However, blessing is still a much needed part of every healthy heart.  Think of it this way; blessings are words or actions that express fondness for, confidence in or recognition of a specific person.  We all need a certain amount of loving support and affirmation from those around us.  I agree that we should depend upon our Heavenly Father for all of our self-worth and emotional support.  However, it has become clear to me that God uses real live people in our lives to convey his blessings in words and actions that we can receive and clearly understand.  In doing so, He is able to bless both the giver and the receiver of His divine blessings.

When the blessings of affirmation and support are held back, there are many ways in which a hungry heart will compensate for this emptiness.  For example, some will become perfectionists or over-achievers in an attempt to “earn” the blessing.  Some will pursue a variety of relationships seeking to “find’ the blessing elsewhere.  Others will withdraw and become isolated, stubbornly attempting to prove they can live without the blessing and support of others.  Some, like Esau, will become angry and bitter in an attempt to camouflage the hurt that is eating at them from within.  Clearly, a heart void of blessing can lead to many life-altering characteristics and struggles. 

If you identify with the previous paragraph, let me remind you that our God is, in fact, a God of blessing.  He can heal your heart from the pain and bitterness of the past and can affirm you as His special child.  Keep in mind that Jesus died for YOU, yes you.  God’s word is full of affirmation and support for his children.  While you may never receive that desired blessing from your earthly father, your spouse, or your boss; you can know without a doubt that you are loved by the God of this universe.  He is waiting for you to cry out for the blessing reserved for only you. 

Finally, I challenge all of you to look around and try to identify those who are hungry for a blessing from you.   I am quite sure that there is someone in your life who needs to be encouraged, affirmed and supported.  For some reason, (I know the reason but we won’t talk about it now.) we are much more familiar with criticism than with blessing.  It is much easier for us to tear down than to build up.  Yet, as Christians we are called to be “ambassadors for Christ.” (2 Cor. 5:20) Through you, God intends to bless your children, your spouse, your co-workers, your extended family, your neighbors, and even your enemies.  Something as simple as a word of encouragement, a prayer, a listening ear, or a hug, can send a power message of affirmation and support. Opportunities for giving away blessings are all around us and we are all called to be good stewards of these divine appointments.  So get busy!  Blessings are yours to give away and you’ll never run out.

“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.”  

Prov. 3:27