“For those blessed by Him shall inherit the earth, but those cursed by Him shall be cut off” (Psalm 37:22, NKJV).
Oh, how we need to be reminded of this truth! True success won’t come because of our talent, money, intelligence, personality, education, achievements, or connections. It’s the blessing of the Lord that really makes the difference.
With His blessing, nothing can stop us; without His blessing, we don’t stand a chance! That’s why we must be careful to humbly walk with Him and not try things on our own. “Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it” (Psalm 127:1).
I think about the parable Jesus shared about the prodigal son (see Luke 15:11-32). A man had two sons, and the younger one asked for an early inheritance. When the father granted his request, the son ran off on his own and wasted all his money on wild living. Then, a severe famine struck the land, and the son was forced to find work feeding pigs. He was so hungry that even the slop he fed to the pigs looked good to him!
He finally realized his mistake and decided to go back to work as his father’s servant so he could at least have food. When he returned, the father was so happy that he greeted him with a kiss, gave him new clothes, and celebrated with a big feast.
Meanwhile, the older son became jealous, as he had stayed home to work for his father all along and had not received a grand celebration like his younger brother. However, his father told him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours” (Luke 15:31).
This parable really illustrates the difference in blessing and cursing as referenced in Psalm 37:22. When we’re living in God’s will, we are “at home” with the Lord, and we enjoy His blessing. However, when we leave the will of God and try to live on our own, we cut ourselves off from His blessing. Let’s not put ourselves in that position; let’s stay under His hand of blessing!
God declared, “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life” (Deuteronomy 30:19). This decision is set before us every day. We can choose life or death, blessing or cursing. Let’s choose life by staying with God!
However, let us always be careful not to take His blessing for granted as the older son in the parable did with his father. Learn to recognize and appreciate the blessing of God. His blessing includes your salvation, family, church, home, health, job, peace, and provision. Let’s never forget how blessed we are!
Truly, “the blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it” (Proverbs 10:22). God’s hand of blessing makes all the difference! He can transform an empty life of struggle to one that’s meaningful and fulfilling.
So, if you’re living for God and serving Him, stay at it! Appreciate the blessings you enjoy, and acknowledge the goodness of God. Surely, “every good gift and every perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17).
If you’re not living for God, I pray that you’ll turn around just as the prodigal son did. Realize that God has a much better life for you, so come to Him today. He’ll welcome you with open arms.
Let us all remember the words of Jesus: “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). As we celebrate His resurrection, let’s choose life today and always!
Reflections 