Yes, we can, and the Bible tells us how. The word translated “bless” in the Old Testament is from a Hebrew word that means “to kneel”. When used with respect to God’s intelligent creation, it has the thought of giving thanks and praise. Just as God blesses us with His goodness we can bless Him with our praise and gratitude.
The Psalms are filled with verses that talk about praising and blessing God. In Psalm 103, verses 1 and 2, David says, “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits.” Then he details the many ways God has cared for him and for Israel. He proclaims that God forgives and heals, shows everlasting lovingkindness and compassion, gives good things and has righteous judgments, is slow to anger, merciful and faithful.
When David declares God’s great character and His actions, David is blessing God.
Again, in Psalm 145, David praises God’s unsearchable greatness, His mighty acts, the splendor of His majesty, and the glory of His future everlasting kingdom. In the same way, when we testify to God’s great and loving character in our individual lives, we bless God. For example, we might specifically remember how God blesses us daily when He provides for our food, clothing, shelter, employment, a spouse, children, etc. We rejoice in God’s great gift of His Son to save even us from sin and death. When we recount His blessings, we are blessing God.
In addition to our words of praise, we use our actions. If we are truly thankful for all God is and has done and what we know He will do in the blessing of all mankind, it will show in our behaviors. When we kneel or humble ourselves and try each day to live a godly life, we are honoring God’s ways above our own ways. Just as a parent delights in a child’s appreciative obedience, so our Heavenly Father is pleased when we live out our love for Him. “Bless the LORD all you works of His, in all places of His dominion, bless the LORD O my soul.” Psalm 103:22
