God's Blessings

"Bless You!" is often a phrase used when someone sneezes. It has become
so common place, that often it is recited by strangers as a reaction without
any emotion. The other day I was walking with Brian to the grocery store and
I sneezed. A man driving by had his window down, and as I sneezed he leaned
toward me and shouted "Bless You"! Brian looked at me and then back at the
man and said, "Dad, that guy shouted "Bless You" as you sneezed." Yes he did,
but with what compassion or emotion?

Now, I understand that not many of us give any thought to feeling emotional
when someone has just sneezed! It's not on our list of worries. We don't
think much about such common occurrences, realizing that this is just a
natural reaction of the body. However, it was not always that way.

It was thought in antiquity that when one sneezed, their heart would
momentarily stop. At that moment, they were in jeopardy of death. In German,
it is "Gusundheid" (Good Health) that is said. Some Welsh superstitions
taught that when you sneezed, the devil would come and snatch away your soul.
Hence, the common practice of saying, "Bless You" or even "God Bless You."
This was thought to discourage the devil from causing you harm.

However, I hope that Christians have a greater understanding of God's
Blessings, and yes, even an emotional one. When we consider all that The God
and Creator of this universe has done for us, it is awe inspiring. Beyond
that, for those who are saved, the blessings continue day in and day out.
Those blessings even point to Eternal Life. God showers His blessings upon
us, to strengthen and encourage our souls. Paul mentions that God provides
".... all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3)
The perfectness of God's design is to provide for our physical and spiritual
care. He does so by blessing all who are in Christ.
Those blessings go far beyond just the concept of "Good Health" but to
the realm of Heaven itself.  [JW]

"Blessed be the God and Father or our Lord Jesus Christ,
who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in
heavenly places in Christ."   (Ephesians 1:3)