Happy April! I pray you guys are doing well and enjoying the beauty of this season! In the last blog, I told you guys that I was in the process of renewing intimacy with God. Well, as a part of that process I have been taking time to listen more. No talking, not praying for everyone else during that time, but having a moment to just sit still and listen to what God has to say. There was something that came up recently and it was “intangible blessings”. Well, I kinda knew a general definition of the intangible, but as soon as I got up, I had to go to Google and see what was up. When I heard it, I felt excitement and a feeling of connecting dots from a previous prayer. I remember in February, the week of Valentine’s Day, I was praying that God would show me His love in a tangible way. I needed to see His love for me in a way that my senses could experience. Let me share with you what I learned!

The definition of intangible is “something that is impossible to touch, describe, or give exact value. It has no physical existence and has abstract qualities and attributes “according to Merriam-Webster. It is also a business term, as it is an asset that does not have physical substance but provides long-term value to the company. Then, I looked up intangible blessings, and that is a blessing that no one sees, they begin between you and God. My first reaction was one of thankfulness, because He sees me, hears me, and even though I want blessings I can see, according to the definition, the intangible blessings have more value. My second reaction was to reflect. Reflecting on what I have been experiencing mentally, emotionally, and spiritually and trying to recognize what was really happening in my ignorance. Then, there was repentance. I had been praying for something I can see, not realizing there are things going on internally that will yield so much more fruit and cause tangible blessings to come forth, but I wasn’t paying attention.

So, what are some examples of intangible blessings? They are things like peace, contentment, joy, a hug that just gives you life, an interaction with a stranger that encourages you, discovering a new passion, or finding a new avenue for your purpose. For me personally, it was me praying that I needed someone to pour into me the way that I pour into others and someone randomly checking on me or sending me an encouraging word. It was the idea to create new experiences for myself and to embark on a journey on my own without waiting on someone to do things with me or for me. It is the ways that God is speaking to my heart in moments that I think He is not listening to me or overlooking me. There are some things that are happening inside as a result of this journey that seem weird and makes it feel like I am forgotten. But it is something that is happening between me and God. He is blessing me with things that cannot be destroyed or taken away. God is sovereign and He can do whatever He wants, for whoever He wants, whenever He wants. He can give us the car, job, house, spouse, or baby. The question is, how will you steward life when it looks like nothing is happening? That is a question that I have had to ask myself numerous times. Honestly, this is a very uncomfortable space.

I have been hearing so many stories of people in waiting seasons. They have kingdom desires and are trying to serve God diligently but haven’t seen those desires come to pass. Meanwhile, there are others who are not even concerned about God and they are seemingly prospering. It HURTS! My heart grieves with each story. It has caused me to intercede for them because I know the feeling. However, there are intangible things that we cannot see happening inside of us. There is substantial value that is being added, strength that we never knew we had, a renewed confidence, greater faith and trust, resiliency, and a deeper understanding of the love of God. It is not easy. It’s hard to stick it out through the rough patches and seasons where you wonder why your prayers are seemingly not being answered. It is especially hard when you are seeking God with your whole heart and doing all you can to keep that relationship healthy. Remember, we will never be put to shame because of our love for Him. I recently had to go through a period of spending intentional time with God and I found that I needed Him to help me to renew my confidence in who He is. I know how to pray, but I also have to fight. The enemy wants us to believe that God will never come through for us and that He will not fulfill His promises. If it happens long enough, we will settle in circumstances and stray from God. We have to fight and stand firm in what we know to be true about our father.

Father, we are so grateful for your love for us. We are thankful for the tangible and intangible blessings. We know that the things we cannot see are strengthening and preparing us for the things to come. Your desire is for us to not only obtain blessings, but to be good stewards as well. We are thankful for a good father that works in us so that others may see who you are through us. Help us to be aware of the intangible blessings and see your hand in each and every situation. Your thoughts towards us are good, you love us with an everlasting love, and you will allow all things to work together for our good as long as we stand firm in our love for you. As we spend time with you, renew our confidence in you as we stand firm and cast down every thought that causes us to believe anything contrary to your character. We love you, we adore you, and we praise you for the victory. Amen.