#Blessed. This hashtag is hugely popular on social media these days. Type it into the toolbar and you will quickly be presented with pictures of happy families, lavish days out, a holiday, a delicious meal. For many, 2020 might be a year where the adjective ‘blessed’ is absent. It has certainly been a challenging year in many ways.

Yet scripture gloriously reminds us that those who trust Christ are lavished with blessings that no earthly pandemic can jeopardise. Debbie and three ladies from bible study recently had the privilege of attending a women’s event at one of the churches who have partnered with St Thomas’ to provide food during lockdown. The speaker reminded us that we are blessed primarily not because of the abundance of our possessions, health of our bodies, success of our careers, grades of our children or the myriad of life experiences we’ve enjoyed – although undoubtedly all good gifts are from the Lord. Rather our most precious blessings are found in the gospel. How much richer are the blessings of sins forgiven, help in times of trouble, comfort in times of sorrow, wisdom in complicated situations, hope of eternity. The Bible is filled from Genesis through to Revelation with evidence of God’s blessings available to believers. Why not take some time to reflect on God’s promised blessings to you?