Jeremiah 23:24 – "Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?" declares the Lord. "Do not I fill heaven and earth?" declares the Lord. (NIV)

Last week, as I was out walking the trails with the dogs, I received the most glorious, unexpected blessing. As we came around a bend in the path, there before me stood the same pine tree that is always rooted at that spot. And yet, something marvellous had occurred.

It was a windy day, and the leaves of autumn were at their peak, radiating an almost fluorescent glow. And as they swirled and danced, hundreds of them had attached themselves to this tree, transforming it from the ordinary to a most extraordinary sight. The leaves in their golden brilliance hung from the branches much like tree ornaments on a Christmas tree. Yet never in all my Christmases have I seen such a beautifully decorated specimen. Each leaf appeared to have been hung with the utmost care. "Totally magnificent" was the only way to describe this unexpected blessing.

Unexpected blessings, I believe, are all around us each and every day if we are open to receiving them. Why do I believe this? Because, as today's Scripture tells us, God is always and forever with us. There is nowhere that we can go to hide from Him. He surrounds us day and night, for He is a God Who desires a relationship with His creation.

Hosea 6:6 – I want faithful love more than I want animal sacrifices. I want people to know me more than I want burnt offerings. (NCV)

As a God Who desires a love relationship with us, He reveals Himself to us that we might know Him and His unexpected blessings always.

He reveals Himself to us through nature: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." (Psalm 19:1 NIV)

He reveals Himself through Christ: "No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known." (John 1:18 NIV)

He reveals Himself to us through other believers who glorify Him, like the psalmist: "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" (Psalm 8:1 NIV)

He reveals Himself through His Word: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16 NIV)

He reveals Himself to us through His Spirit: "But God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God." (1 Corinthians 2:10 NIV)

Today, may each of us desire to see or hear or know the unexpected blessings that God has in store for us. For indeed, they are all around us, just waiting to bring us joy and a deeper relationship with the One Who loves us and is always and forever with us.

Prayer: Father God, how glorious and good You are to us. You surround us always and forever, and bless us in the most unexpected and delightful ways. Open our hearts, our eyes, our ears, and our minds to You this day, that indeed, we might recognize and receive the unexpected blessings that You have prepared for us. In Christ's name, we ask these things. Amen.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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