“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11, ESV.
One word stretched across the back window of the car in front of me. The bold letters simply read: “BLESSED.” Such a simple word packing a powerful message, I thought. The light changed, and the traffic moved on, but the impact of the single word remained with me.
Exactly why and how the meaning of the word “blessed” related to the one who had written it on the windshield is impossible to know. So, I thought to myself, how am I blessed in this world of unpredictability? Like many people, I have experienced financial gains and losses, emotional ups and downs, and life and death on the deepest levels. Does being blessed mean being favored by God as to limiting physical and emotional pain; or, to exclude others, suggesting I am somehow more deserving?
“Have a blessed day.” “I am so blessed!” “You are a blessing to me.” These comments are just an example of how we use the word, which Jesus spoke very differently about in the Sermon On The Mount. He said, “Blessed are…the poor in spirit…those who mourn…the meek…those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…the merciful…the pure in heart…the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted.”
The blessing that follows has nothing to do with payment for a job well done or well lived; it has nothing to do with beautiful houses and automobiles, wealth or even good health. As a matter of fact, it has nothing to do with performance or pursuits at all.
“for theirs is the kingdom of heaven; they will be comforted; they will inherit the earth; they will be filled; they will be shown mercy; they will see God; they will be called sons of God; theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3-10, NIV.
Friend, belonging to the “group of the blessed” is available to all. Our position is the result of belonging to Jesus Christ and leaning into Him every day of our lives regardless of our circumstances. He loves you so much, and He loves me. Are we blessed? You bet we are!
Sherry Sharp