II Samuel 5:12 says: “And David realized that the Lord had established him as king over Israel, and that He had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.” This verse comes in the context of David having come to be king over all Israel, and experiencing God’s blessings in battle (he had captured “the city of David” from the Jebusites, :6-9) and in gifts from Hiram, King of Tyre (:11). He had been experiencing the blessing of God on his life and kingdom, but :12 indicates that in a sense, one day David “woke up” to what was happening: God had indeed established and blessed him.

Perhaps some of us need to have that same kind of “awakening.”

As 2013 comes to a close, maybe you can look back and see so much good that has befallen you this year: perhaps in your business or finances, health, family, or ministry. But it is easy, when you have been so much in the middle of the busy-ness of it, to overlook how much God has been blessing and establishing you, for His purposes. As this year ends, and another begins, it is a good time to evaluate yourself — but also to count your blessings. When you do, perhaps you will find yourself like David, awakening to the realization of how much God has blessed you — and that it is indeed HE who has done it!