God certainly does want to bless us — but the blessings He promises us aren’t material, but spiritual. Nowhere in the Bible does He promise to make us wealthy if we’ll just have enough faith. Remember: Jesus Himself was poor, and so were His first disciples.

What are the blessings He promises us? The first is the blessing of forgiveness. Because of our sins we are separated from God and deserve only His judgment. We also live under a burden of guilt, because down inside we know we haven’t lived the way we should. But when we come to Christ and trust Him as our Savior and Lord, God blesses us by taking away our sins and our guilt. The Bible says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12).

But God also promises us the blessing of new life — new life right now, and eternal life in heaven. When we come to Christ, God Himself comes to live within us by His Holy Spirit, and He promises to begin changing us from within as we submit our lives to Him. Even when hard times come, we know He is with us and wants to help us. That is good news!

Have you asked Christ to come into your life? If not, do so today. Then thank Him that He is with you every day, and that no matter what problems come your way, you can turn to Him for the wisdom and strength you’ll need to meet them.