Jesus teaches us about blessings in Matthew 5 during his sermon on the Mount. He tells us that the poor in spirit, those who are mourning, the humble, those who thirst for justice, the merciful, the pure, the peacemakers, and those persecuted for his namesake are blessed. 

Deuteronomy 33:20 tells us about another kind of blessing — blessed is he who enlarges Gad’s domain. The word enlarge here means to encourage, and the blessing means to praise the LORD. Through our praise to the LORD we can offer encouragement that leads to overcoming obstacles that have been sent to tear us down, to take our territory, and to render us defeated. This could be encouragement for ourselves, a family member, a friend, or maybe even a stranger having a rough day in the grocery store. 

Through praising the LORD and declaring His promises over the situation at hand, blessings come. Encouragement to stand on His promises and believe He works all things together for the good of those He has called starts to fill our minds, or the minds of the friend we’re sharing it with. Ephesians 6 informs us that the protection for our core is the truth of the Word — when it is spoken in praise to our God, the enemy is defeated! 

Blessings flow when we claim the truth because we win territory over Satan. Next time we are faced with an obstacle that seeks to steal, kill, and destroy us, we can praise our LORD for the finished work of the cross. We can fill our mind with praise rather than negativity and come out of the pit with a blessing. We can praise Him by declaring His victory, His mercy, His glory, and watch as the enemy flees and our spiritual territory expands.

Querido Padre Celestial,

We thank You for Your blessing and Your son Jesus. As Jabez cried out, “Oh Lord, enlarge my territory!” I also ask for enlarged territory. But not in the natural sense like Jabez, but I would like more territory with respect to the Great Commission. Enlarge my territory for making disciples. Enlarge my reach among men and women. Show me specifically to whom I am called, and fill me again with Your Holy Spirit for success. May Your living water flow to me, in me, and through me to bring faith and life in Jesus to those who hear me proclaim Your wonders. In the Name of Jesus, I Pray. Amen.

The Lord allows all to taste and see that He is good, but living in the blessings of God is for His sons and daughters. As you encourage others with God’s truth, don’t assume that someone has trusted and surrendered to Jesus, but ask and invite them. Pray for God’s power to be with you for repentance and faith.