Blessed
In the English language there are a few words that seem to have a variety of uses. One of those words is ‘blessed’.
It can be used when something good happens (such as, having a nice cold drink on a hot day), or particularly when something unexpected comes along (such as, finding a parking space in a crowded car park). For some, they may say they have a ‘blessed’ life, referring, may be, to their family, career or even their house or car!
Then there is the opposite use of the word, when it’s used to express some form of anger or frustration, i.e., “will you take the blessed bin out!”.
Blessed is a spiritual word and is found in the Bible. I recently came across it again, whilst reading Psalm 84, as it popped up a few times:
“Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
they are ever praising you.
Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
Lord Almighty,
blessed is the one who trusts in you.”
The whole of Psalm 84 is well worth reading and meditating on, but for now let’s zoom in on the three times the word ‘blessed’ is used:
‘Dwell in your house’ would have referred to the Temple of God in Jerusalem. Back then it was known as God’s address on earth. The person who spent time there worshipping God was blessed.
If we want to know God’s blessing, then the encouragement here is to take time to ‘dwell’ with Him through devotional worship, whatever that may look like.
The next ‘blessing’ is about finding strength in God. This is not by being static, but in moving forward. Being a Christian is about a living relationship with God: doing life with Him, through all its ups and downs – the good, the bad, and even the ugly!
If we want to know God’s blessing, then the encouragement here is to operate in God’s strength in all of life’s journey.
The final blessing comes by ‘trusting in God’. This is one of the ‘mega-themes’ right through the Bible. We can put our trust in all sorts of things, such as people or money. Trusting God means allowing Him to unfold His plan and purpose in your life.
If we want to know God’s blessing, then the encouragement here is to simply trust God over everything else.
In summary: Dwell with, Journey alongside, Trust in God = Blessing!
God bless
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader