UNDERSTANDING THE BLESSING OF THE LORD

Title: UNDERSTANDING THE BLESSING OF THE LORD

By Rev Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Proverbs 10:22 - "The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it." 

INTRODUCTION
The blessing of the Lord is a divine empowerment that goes beyond material wealth or earthly possessions. It is an all-encompassing grace from God that brings spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being. When the Bible talks about being blessed by God, it does not merely refer to financial prosperity; it includes peace, joy, favour, protection, and every good thing that comes from above. Proverbs 10:22 emphasizes that God's blessing enriches without adding sorrow. The essence of the blessing is that it is not fleeting, and it does not depend on earthly circumstances but rather on a relationship with God. This sermon will delve into the nature of God's blessing, its characteristics, its manifestations, and how we can live in the fullness of it.

1. THE NATURE OF GOD’S BLESSING 

a) The Blessing as Divine Empowerment (Genesis 1:28)
From the very beginning, God’s intention was for man to live under His blessing. In Genesis 1:28, God blessed Adam and Eve and empowered them to be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and have dominion. This blessing was an impartation of God’s ability and authority to fulfil His purposes on earth. When we understand that the blessing is not just about material wealth but divine empowerment, it changes our perspective on what it means to be blessed.

b) The Blessing Is Comprehensive and All-Encompassing (Deuteronomy 28:1-14) 
The blessings outlined in Deuteronomy 28 show that God’s blessing is not limited to one area of life but encompasses every aspect—health, relationships, work, spiritual growth, and more. When we walk in obedience to God's commandments, we experience blessings in every realm, including our coming in and going out, the fruit of our bodies, and the work of our hands.

c) The Blessing Brings Peace and Joy (Psalm 29:11; James 1:17) 
Psalm 29:11 states that the Lord blesses His people with peace. The blessing of the Lord brings an inner sense of peace, calmness, and joy that transcends circumstances. James 1:17 tells us that every good and perfect gift comes from above, from the Father of lights. God’s blessing is perfect, good, and brings genuine joy, unlike the fleeting happiness the world offers.

2. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BLESSING OF THE LORD 

a) The Blessing Is Spiritual Before It Is Material (Ephesians 1:3)
Paul reminds us in Ephesians 1:3 that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. The foundation of God’s blessing is spiritual. It is this spiritual blessing that often manifests as material or physical blessings. Our focus should always be on the source of the blessing, not the blessings themselves.

b) The Blessing Is Eternal (Matthew 6:19-21)
Unlike the riches of this world, which can be stolen or decayed, the blessing of the Lord is eternal. Jesus encourages us to store up treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust can destroy. The true blessing lies in our relationship with God and the eternal inheritance that comes from being His children.

c) The Blessing Makes One Rich Without Sorrow (Proverbs 10:22) 
The unique feature of God’s blessing is that it adds no sorrow. While worldly riches can bring worry, anxiety, and even sorrow, the wealth that comes from the Lord is accompanied by peace, fulfilment, and contentment. True prosperity is having the riches of God—both spiritually and materially—without any sorrow attached.

3. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF THE BLESSING IN ACTION

a) Abraham: Blessed to Be a Blessing (Genesis 12:2-3; 13:2)
Abraham is a prime example of someone who walked in the fullness of God’s blessing. God called him out and blessed him, making him wealthy and influential. More importantly, God’s blessing on Abraham’s life caused him to be a blessing to others, fulfilling God's purpose for his life.

b) Isaac: A Hundredfold in a Time of Famine (Genesis 26:12-14)
Isaac sowed in a land experiencing famine and reaped a hundredfold because of God's blessing. The favour and blessing of the Lord can cause us to prosper even in difficult and uncertain times. His life shows that God's blessing is not subject to natural conditions.

c) Joseph: Favoured and Blessed in All Circumstances (Genesis 39:2-5) 
Despite his circumstances—whether as a slave or in prison—Joseph experienced the blessing of the Lord. Everything he did prospered because God was with him. Joseph’s story teaches us that the blessing of God is not tied to our environment or situations; it follows us wherever we go when we remain faithful.

4. HOW TO WALK IN THE BLESSING OF THE LORD

a) Live a Life of Obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)
Obedience to God's Word is key to walking in His blessing. When we follow God's commands and align ourselves with His will, we position ourselves to receive the fullness of His blessings.

b) Develop a Heart of Faith and Trust in God (Hebrews 11:6; Galatians 3:9) 
Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. In the same way, we must trust in God’s promises and walk by faith to experience His blessings.

c) Seek God’s Presence and Align with His Will (Psalm 91:1; John 15:4-5) 
The blessing of the Lord is found in His presence. When we dwell in the secret place of the Most High, we experience His covering and blessing. Staying connected to God through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word keeps us aligned with His will.

CONCLUSION
The blessing of the Lord is not just about accumulating wealth or material possessions; it is about walking in divine favour, peace, protection, and purpose. Understanding the nature of God’s blessing, its characteristics, and how it operates will help us to live in the fullness of it. As we remain obedient, faithful, and connected to God, we will continually experience His blessings in every area of our lives. Let us seek to understand and activate the blessing of the Lord and become channels of His blessings to those around us.

PRAYER POINTS
1. "Lord, grant me the grace to understand and walk in the fullness of Your blessing."

2. "Father, help me to live a life of obedience that positions me for Your blessing."

3. "O God, let Your blessing overtake me and bring peace and joy to every area of my life."

4. "Lord, empower me to be a blessing to others as You have blessed me."

5. "Father, remove any hindrance that stands in the way of my blessings."

6. "O God, let Your favour surround me as a shield in Jesus' name."

7. "Lord, I pray for divine wisdom to manage and sustain Your blessings upon my life."

8. "Father, increase my faith to believe in Your promises and walk in Your blessing."

9. "O God, protect me and my family under the shadow of Your wings."

10. "Lord, keep me in Your presence and let Your blessing flow in my life continually."

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. I declare that you are walking in the fullness of God’s blessing in every area of your life.

2. I decree that the blessings of the Lord are overtaking you, bringing supernatural provision and abundance.

3. I proclaim that God’s blessing is empowering you to be fruitful and multiply in all your endeavours.

4. I declare that every curse over your life is broken, and you are walking in divine favour and protection.

5. I decree that the peace and joy of the Lord are your portion, without sorrow or pain.

6. I declare that you are blessed in the city, blessed in the field, blessed when you come in, and blessed when you go out.

7. I proclaim that you are a recipient of God’s good and perfect gifts from above.

8. I decree that the works of your hands are blessed, and you shall prosper in all you do.

9. I declare that you are a channel of God’s blessings to others, and through you, many will experience His goodness.

10. I proclaim that you shall walk in divine wisdom, favour, and grace all the days of your life.