When I ask people how they are, one of my favorite responses has to be, “I’m blessed.” I like that response because when people say they are blessed, I am assuming they are in part acknowledging God’s work in their lives. “Blessed” carries with it the idea that there is one who is doing the blessing. That one being God. However, what does it mean to be blessed? I’m sure people have their own definitions, but if we are honest, when we think of being blessed, we think more in the lines of good things happening to us. Some feel blessed when their kids are doing well. Some feel blessed when their job is going well. Some feel blessed when their bank account is full. Some feel blessed when their team is winning. Some feel blessed when they are free from sickness. You get the idea. We normally associate being blessed with good things. However, when we read what Jesus taught in Matthew 5, it seems, at least from God’s perspective, being blessed is much different than our normal way of thinking. Consider just a few words of what Jesus taught.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:3-10
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Reading these words, we see that being blessed is not about us having things easy or good in life. Being blessed is about living a life with the character and attitude of God. It is about living a life that gives glory to God on the earth. A person who truly knows what it means to be blessed understands that true joy and well-being are not based upon the circumstances or the physical condition around you but rather found in a contentedness based upon one’s relationship with God. One can truly be blessed no matter what the situation in life is when one is walking in a relationship with God and living in that relationship. Being blessed is understanding truly that God is the one who blesses and that ultimately through Jesus, he has already taken care of our greatest need and has given us eternal life. If we keep in mind all that God has done and continues to do, it is easy to say, “I am blessed.”
VC Devotionals 