People gripe about being overwhelmed. Work…kids…finances…politics. We’re bullied, bulldozed, and bludgeoned with anxiety. Or so we say. Whatever happened to that leisurely lifestyle we’re promised due to all the labor-saving devices just around the corner? The more digital ease we experience, the more that worry crowds out pleasure and enjoyment. Or so it seems. Some never get away from their infernal phones.

That’s when two verses from the book of Deuteronomy soothe my own weary soul–‘And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all the blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God’ (Deut. 28:1-2).

Overwhelmed…with blessings. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not talking about getting more moolah as promised when you dig even deeper, giving to some greedy TV evangelist. Or some well-meaning writer of weekly devotionals! No. Hardly. But there does seem to be some correlation between leading a godly life and what comes our way. Not all the time. No guarantees. Or false promises. But on average.

However, even if I get nothing from the Lord, or tragedy knocks at my front door demanding entry and getting it, I want to obey Him. To love Him for being my God and Savior. No matter what. For when life turns bleak, especially then, I want to obey and love the One who loves me more than I can imagine. Again, no matter what, I’m all in for Jesus. Regardless, I’m His.

To be open and honest, that’s my resolve. What I’d like to happen. But I know how feeble my follow-through can be. That I straddle the fence too often. Half-hearted obedience, making up excuses for why I’m selfish, pig-headed, and insensitive. It must be from contracting polio as a toddler. Poor little me. Or how others have meanly treated me. Woe is me. That explains it. Or does it? No answer is required. No comments from Howdy Doody’s ‘Peanut Gallery’!

Frankly, Jesus has given me more blessings than I’ve deserved. Way more. And I thank Him for such generosity. It will take me all eternity to give Him the credit He warrants. Maybe I should start now? You think?

Forever begins this very second. Why not count your many blessings, seeing what He’s done for you? Sing them over and over again. Those showers of blessing. Blessed assurance that Jesus is mine. And that I’m His. What could be better?

Make this week overflow with daily thanks to the One who lives to give. To Jesus our Lord.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for everything. Amen.