Blessed and a Blessing

“Now the LORD had said unto Abram… I will bless thee… and thou shalt be a blessing” (Genesis 12:1,2).  “O Thou that hearest prayer… blessed is the man whom Thou choosest, and causest to approach unto Thee” (Psalm 65:2-4).  “My son, be wise, and make My heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth Me… Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend… Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds” (Proverbs 27:11-23).  “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1). 

As Abram by the Lord was blessed,

And thereby would become a blessing,

We ought to bring this same request

To bless the Lord we are confessing. 

Our God shall surely hear our prayer,

And we shall then be satisfied

With goodness waiting for us there

Procured for us when Jesus died.

How blest are those the Lord shall choose

Who now approach Him by His grace! 

How much the sinner stands to lose

Who will not come to seek His face! 

Among the blessings He imparts

Is this great privilege we have had,

By wisdom granted to our hearts,

To make our Lord and Savior glad. 

Another blessing God extends

To all of us who are the Lord’s

Is that we edify our friends

As iron sharpens iron swords. 

And so we’re called to take great heed,

As we are caring for God’s flock,

To know their state, to meet their need,

And to exhort them in their walk.

Now since these blessings overflow

And all these promises abound,

We should confess the things we know

Have hindered us when sin is found. 

O Lord, how great Your blessings are

As we explore Your great salvation! 

You’ve drawn us near who once were far,

And You removed our condemnation! 

You’ve clothed us in Your righteousness

And given us Your Holy Spirit.

You gave Your Word that we might bless

The hearts of those who need to hear it. 

Lord, cleanse our hearts with holy fear

With grace extended to the lowly.

We thank You as You draw us near,

Perfecting us to make us holy.