The Privileged Life: Say “Amen” to Blessings and Trials

“And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. Then all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.” (Nehemiah 8:6)

When our daughter, Elizabeth, was a toddler and starting to talk, I would set her in her high chair just before dinner and start putting food on plates. 

Hungry and impatient with this process, Elizabeth would start chirping “Amen! Amen!” in her sweet, tiny voice. She knew, as soon as we said the mealtime blessing and finished with “Amen,” she could start eating. She was eager to enjoy dinner!

This morning, as I prayed for Elizabeth and our family, I caught myself saying, “Amen. Amen.” Thinking of her, I pondered the implications of saying this before receiving any answers to my prayers. 

The word “Amen” crops up more than 70 times in Scriptures, usually after prayers and declarations in public gatherings. According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, the Hebrew word for “Amen” (pronounced aw-māne) means “sure, faithfulness, so be it, verily, truly.” Gesenius’ Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon says “its proper place is where one person confirms the words of another….” A related word (pronounced aw-man) can mean “to support, confirm, be faithful.” It carries the idea of supporting with the arm, as in carrying a child.

Wow. Think about the implications of using that word as it relates to the character of God. When we say “Amen,” we are affirming who He is. He is the God beyond all praising. He is sure and faithful to fulfill His promises. He is full of truth and unchanging. 

When we pray, we enter His presence to offer praise, confession of sins, thanksgiving, and our petitions. We come before Him, simply to speak with Him—to share our love, our weaknesses, our gratitude, and our desires.

He is our loving Father, sacrificial Savior, and comforting Holy Spirit. Our “Amen” acknowledges we are totally dependent on Him to support us and carry us as His beloved children.

Whether we shout “Amen” or whisper it, we confirm our gratitude for the blessings He will provide…and for holding us through trials He will allow. That expression “so be it” means our acceptance of His will for our lives, both the good and the bad.

Can you do that? It’s not easy for me. I want God to grant my wishes immediately! I’m not very grateful when He says “no” or “wait.” It reflects my lack of trust, my impatience, my ingratitude, and a little bit of idolatry. Who doesn’t want the perfect, easy life with only blessings, without any sacrifices or hard work? 

As you pray this week, focus on that word “Amen.” Use it to worship and praise Christ for His grace. He is faithful to bring you into His kingdom when you believe He is your Lord. As our Good Shepherd, He will bless you with His daily bread, protection, and forgiveness. He will rescue and carry you as His little lamb in His arms when you’re lost in the wilderness.

Tell Jesus, in His name, that you trust Him to be the great “Amen” to all of your prayers. Let’s shout it together so all the world will hear us. Amen!

Holy Father, the Alpha and Omega of my life, I praise You and thank You in advance for the blessings and difficulties of my life. You know what is best for me, to sanctify me and prepare me for Your kingdom work. When days are good, remind me to offer up my praise to Your glory. In times of trouble, hold me and carry me in Your arms, calling me to trust You in everything. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

*Refer to Hebrew words #543 and #539 in Strong’s—https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h543/kjv/wlc/0-1/ and https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h539/kjv/wlc/0-1/

© Copyright 2023 Nancy C. Williams, Lightbourne Creative (text and photography). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. #amen #strongsconcordance #blessings #gratitude #mealtimeblessing