Blessed
How do we define “blessed?” A simple scroll through social media would render some pretty confusing results. We see “#blessed” included with pictures of new cars, selfies, children/family, and work achievements. Yet, what does the Bible say about the word “blessed?” Let’s unpack the meaning of the word and see how the Bible uses the word “blessed.”
The first uses of the word “blessed” are in the opening verses of Genesis in which the Lord blesses the animals (Gen. 1:22) and humans (Gen. 1:28) and tells them to multiply. So, can we infer that “blessed” means favor from God? Absolutely. Can we infer that a “blessing” is a physical representation of God’s love for us? For sure. So far, our meager definition of “blessed” seems to line up pretty well with the normative/cultural use of the word.
We then read Genesis chapter two where God designates the seventh day of the week as a day of rest and blesses the day. Huh? How can a day be blessed? As much as we’d like a day of rest to be fruitful and multiply, the word “blessed” is pointing to something deeper: holiness. The Creation account in Genesis describes how God makes the universe from nothing and then separates different components: light from dark (Gen. 1:3-5), sea from sky (Gen. 1:6-8), and dry land from sea (Gen 1:9-10). The fourth, fifth and sixth days were used to fill and populate the expanses God had just created. So, what’s going on with the seventh day? This seventh day is separated from the rest of the working days; it is blessed and holy. The all-knowing, omnipresent, and unchanging God of the universe rested from His work as an example for us to follow. He not only set the example for us to rest, but commanded us to rest in the fourth commandment (Exodus 20:4). So how can we now define “blessed”? So far, we have seen the word used to indicate favor from God and to indicate holiness.
A tour through Psalms reveals even more uses of the word “blessed”. We see the gift of redemption and salvation as the ultimate blessing, along with more descriptions of one who honors their relationship with the Lord above all else. The authors use the word to describe someone with a distinct, holy relationship with the Lord. Here are a few examples:
· Psalm 1:1-2 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
· Psalm 32:1 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
· Psalm 34:8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
· Psalm 41:1-2 Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him; the Lord protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land
· Psalm 94:12 Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O Lord, and whom you teach out of your law
· Psalm 106:3 Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times!
· Psalm 119:2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart
By the time we arrive in the New Testament, Jesus directly describes those who are blessed on the Sermon on the Mount. The Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12 paint a beautiful picture of those who are completely dependent on God’s goodness and provision (physically, emotionally and spiritually). The passage describes a people group yearning for the glorious redemption of all things while experiencing great suffering. Amongst the list of those described as blessed, we see the “poor in spirit”(5:3), those who mourn (5:4), the meek (5:5), those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (5:6), the merciful (5:7), the pure of heart (5:8), the peacemakers (5:9), the persecuted (5:10) and the falsely accused (5:11). Can you relate with any of these, friend?
The Source of the Blessing
As we allow the biblical use of word “blessed” to permeate our filters, definitions and hashtags, I wonder if we are giving proper thanks for all of the blessings we have been given. It’s easy to look into the eyes of a newborn child and consider ourselves blessed, but much harder to consider ourselves blessed when our faith withstands the unrelenting storm of grief. It’s easy to feel blessed when we look around at all that God has given us, but much harder to do so when we see those same things taken away. Do we consider ourselves blessed when we mourn (Matthew 5:4)? Do we count ourselves blessed and rejoice when others persecute us (Matthew 5:11-12)?
Oh, this is hard. This would be an easy off ramp into the land of Eye Roll. How on earth could any rational person consider him/herself blessed while experiencing persecution or while mourning? As usual, the answer lies within the source of the gift. James 1:12 teaches us, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” Through the trials and tribulations, He is teaching us to be like Jesus (who suffered for us) and drawing us in to a relationship with Him. It is through the trials and tribulations that we develop a complete dependency on God. It is through the seasons of persecution, mourning, and suffering that we can draw close to the eternal.
As we consider the source of all of our blessings, I pray that we would turn our eyes towards the true blessing of Christ and how we are truly #blessed. So, are we blessed when we celebrate the birth of a new baby? Yes. Are we also blessed in the seasons when we draw close to Him with wholehearted dependence to get us through the day? Yes.
As you look back on your faith journey, are there key moments of difficulty or trial in which you can now see God’s plan to draw you close? Are there blessings in your life which feel more like burdens than gifts? I don’t know about you, but I have quite a few!
