One of the greatest joys a parent can have is to see their kids prosper. We have been created in the image of God. God's attributes are resident in us. Sin has warped those, but they are still there and by surrender to the Lord they can flourish in our lives. Love and care for our children is part of that. Nothing hurts a parent more then to see their child go through emotional or physical hurt. So it is with our Father in heaven.
There is no one who identifies with us more closely then He does. When we hurt, He hurts. When we rejoice, He rejoices (as long it is something that doesn't violate His holy character). So, because these things are true, one thing I know is that God wants to bless His people. Romans 8:32 says, "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?"
A familiar scripture is found in the second verse of Third John where it says, "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers." I believe the Apostle John wrote this under the guidance and inspiration of God Himself. Just as an earthly Father wants the best for his kids, so God our Father wants the best for us. His desire is that we prosper and be in health, as long as that does not get in the way of our soul's health. Jesus said "If you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him." (Matthew 7:11)
So many people are afraid to get close to God. They think He will take away their fun and their joy. Nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact, the Psalmist said that it is in His presence that there is fullness of joy." (Psalm 16:11) Proverbs 10:22 says, "The blessing of the Lord makes one rich and He adds no sorry with it." Why would we be afraid to get close to a God like that? In fact, common sense would tell us that the best thing for us would be to seek Him with all our heart because there is a rich blessing in knowing Him intimately.
I like to brag on my kids, if you give me a chance. When my kids prosper beyond what I could dream of and yet maintain their integrity, I rejoice greatly. I'm their father and they make me proud. Our Father in heaven would like nothing more then to see His kids doing well. The key to that kind of blessing is for us to stay close to the Blesser. The blessing flows from His Presence.
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What happens when we make the Lord our Shepherd? We have no needs that are not met. (Psalm 23:1) How do we make Him our Shepherd? By surrendering our lives to Him and then walking in His fold, not straying away from Him, for He is the true Blessing.
