Long before anyone labeled their photos with “blessed”, the psalms spoke of the source of blessings and what being blessed looks like.

We celebrate that we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ! God has held nothing back from us. We look forward to his goodness forevermore, and rely on his goodness for our lives here.

No matter what God fills your days with, He cares for you and is worthy of all praise. You have been called to the best, blessed life, here and for all eternity as you seek God first.

1)    Reverence – Who is God?

1. God is the source of all blessings (1)
2. Lord, I praise you because you are the source of blessings and you so richly bless me with _____________________ (family, ministry, strength for today, wisdom, mentors)
   
   

2)    Response – How should I respond?

1. Respond by asking for forgiveness;
   Respond by acknowledging the work of God in your life;
               Respond by greater faith and trust in Him
2. Those you bless fear you, forgive me when I do not fear you rightly,
   but rather ______________
   (take you for granted, desire other things more than you, chase after the desires of my heart rather than to you)
3. Blessings come to those who walk in your ways, so thank you for providing _______________(strength, wisdom, perseverance, Your Spirit), so I can walk faithfully with you.
   
   

3)    Request – What should I pray about (resources and relationships)?

1. Pray for family, co-workers, friend who need Christ; Pray for churches
2. I pray for your blessings of the gospel and grace on___________________________

 (family/friends  who do not know God)

I pray for your blessing of ________  for …
(specific name/s) who chase the things of world or who need God’s help)

1. May your presence support and strengthen and bless _____________________
   (CSBC leadership to reach the 10-year vision, a specific church you know that is struggling, a specific pastor that is tired and weary).

4)    Readiness - God leads us forward for his Glory

1. As you head back into all that awaits (job, stress, temptations, hardships), remember God is a present, loving, blessing God. He does not lead us into temptation, but works for His good.
2. You are present to bless us so keep me constantly ______________ (abiding in you, seeking your presence, hiding in the shelter of your wing) and not _____________ (trusting in my own strength, straying from your ways).

5)    End in Reverence

Praise the God that helps, watches, and protects at all times and in every way.

The right posture in fearing the Lord leads to blessings both personally and corporately.

Blessings from God

1)    Recipients of God’s blessing (1)

1. Those who have the right posture – Fear (1b)
2. Those who live faithfully – walk in his ways (1c)

2)    Scope of Blessings (2-4)

1. Your work – eat the fruit of your labor (2)
2. Abundance (2b)
3. Protection from enemies (2c)
4. Your Family (3)
5. Wife (3a-b)
6. Children (3c-d)
7. Repeat that blessings come to those who fear the Lord (4)

3)    Blessing is tied to Presence

1. The Lord blesses from Zion – where pilgrims are going (5a)
2. Witness Jerusalem’s prosperity since he is faithfully approaching the Lord (5b-c)

4)    Extent of blessings

1. Longevity - See children’s children (6a)
2. National – include Israel (6b)

No matter how large or terrifying our troubles seem, God is bigger! God is more than able to save us. We will face trouble, but our savior has already overcome the world. Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning. In Psalm 129 we join with the children of Israel as they remember their nations past afflictions, and praise their righteous redeeming God.

REVERENCE - Identify and celebrate God’s praiseworthy attributes

• God is the Sustainer who preserves His people through lifelong affliction – vv.1–2
• He is the Defender who does not allow the enemy to prevail – v.2
• He sees every wound and every injustice suffered by His people – v.3
• He is righteous in all His ways and faithful to act justly – v.4
• He is the Deliverer who cuts the cords of the wicked and breaks oppression – v.4
• He is the Judge who brings shame to those who oppose His purposes – v.5
• He is the One who ensures the wicked will not ultimately prosper – vv.6–8

• • I worship You, Lord, as my Sustainer through seasons when I have been attacked by …
  • Thank You for preserving me and not allowing the enemy to prevail in …
  • I praise You because You see every hurt and injustice I have experienced in …
  • You are righteous in all Your ways, especially when You …
  • I exalt You as the One who has broken the cords of bondage in …
  • Lord, I honor You as the righteous Judge over every situation involving …

   RESPONSE - Surrender to Him and His ways

  • Lord, I confess that I sometimes focus more on my wounds than on Your faithfulness in …
  • Forgive me for believing that the enemy has more power than You in …
  • I admit I struggle with bitterness or discouragement from past hurts in …
  • I confess that I sometimes question Your justice when I see ongoing oppression in …
  • Teach me to trust Your righteous timing, even when deliverance feels delayed in …
  • Help me release every burden, wound, and injustice into Your hands in …
    
    

  REQUESTS - Ask the Spirit to guide your prayer over concerns, resources, and relationships

  • Lord, intervene and break every form of oppression or bondage in my life, especially …
  • Cut the cords of anything that is holding me back spiritually in …
  • Bring justice and vindication in situations where I have been wronged in …
  • Strengthen (name) who is enduring a season of affliction or hardship in …
  • Protect Your people and Your church from ongoing attacks in …
  • Let those who oppose Your work be turned back, and let Your purposes prevail in …
  • Establish Your righteousness and truth in every area of influence in …

   

  READINESS- Encouragement and strength for the journey

  • When I feel weary from repeated struggles, remind me that I have not been defeated in …
  • Strengthen my heart to endure long seasons of hardship in …
  • Help me trust that You are at work even when I cannot see immediate results in …
  • Guard my heart from discouragement when opposition continues in …
  • Let me stand firm in confidence that You will act righteously in …
  • Teach me to walk forward in faith, knowing that You are both my Sustainer and Deliverer in …