All you who fear God, how blessed you are!
how happily you walk on his smooth straight road!
You worked hard and deserve all you’ve got coming.
Enjoy the blessing! Revel in the goodness !Psalm 128:1-2 (The Message)
In this Psalm of Ascent, the pilgrims are focusing of the concept of the blessings of God. Can't you just picture them walking together on the road to Jerusalem singing this song together. Let's apply this song to our hearts.
When you think of the term blessed, does it bring to mind images of a trouble-free, pain-free, life full of convenience, low stress and bliss? As awesome as that sounds, I'm not sure it is the accurate picture of " being blessed".
What does it look like to be truly blessed? A blessing is defined as God's favor and protection. Think of it this way: You are blessed when God is active and present in your life. Does that mean there is no pain or despair? No. Does it mean there is no sickness or hardships? No. It simply means that God is holding your hand, comforting you, loving you and guiding you.
Jesus gives us a picture of what it means to be blessed . To some, it seems counter-intuitive. But to the Christian, these words from Matthew chapter 5 are powerful.
“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.Do you see a theme here? Blessings come when we experience God's closeness. They come when we are obedient even when we don't feel like being obedient. The circumstances of life may be painful and devastating, but the circumstances of our heart are changed when we sense God's presence. This is the true source of healing. Jesus is showing us that it is the very difficulties of life that allow us to draw closer to God and be blessed. What is the result of being blessed? The kind of happiness that can only come from above.
My friend, you may be experiencing some of the worst times of your life. Perhaps you're still dealing with the pain and loss of a past event or relationship. But please realize, you are blessed because the One most dear to you is embracing you right now. Can you feel it?
Journaling Ideas1. Read Luke 11:27-28. According to this passage how can you be blessed by God?
2. Have you had a time in your life when you were experience pain and heartache, yet felt blessed by God. Describe that time. How did you feel?
3. Write a letter to God telling Him how you feel about His blessings.
how happily you walk on his smooth straight road!
You worked hard and deserve all you’ve got coming.
Enjoy the blessing! Revel in the goodness !Psalm 128:1-2 (The Message)
In this Psalm of Ascent, the pilgrims are focusing of the concept of the blessings of God. Can't you just picture them walking together on the road to Jerusalem singing this song together. Let's apply this song to our hearts.
When you think of the term blessed, does it bring to mind images of a trouble-free, pain-free, life full of convenience, low stress and bliss? As awesome as that sounds, I'm not sure it is the accurate picture of " being blessed".
What does it look like to be truly blessed? A blessing is defined as God's favor and protection. Think of it this way: You are blessed when God is active and present in your life. Does that mean there is no pain or despair? No. Does it mean there is no sickness or hardships? No. It simply means that God is holding your hand, comforting you, loving you and guiding you.
Jesus gives us a picture of what it means to be blessed . To some, it seems counter-intuitive. But to the Christian, these words from Matthew chapter 5 are powerful.
“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.Do you see a theme here? Blessings come when we experience God's closeness. They come when we are obedient even when we don't feel like being obedient. The circumstances of life may be painful and devastating, but the circumstances of our heart are changed when we sense God's presence. This is the true source of healing. Jesus is showing us that it is the very difficulties of life that allow us to draw closer to God and be blessed. What is the result of being blessed? The kind of happiness that can only come from above.
My friend, you may be experiencing some of the worst times of your life. Perhaps you're still dealing with the pain and loss of a past event or relationship. But please realize, you are blessed because the One most dear to you is embracing you right now. Can you feel it?
Journaling Ideas1. Read Luke 11:27-28. According to this passage how can you be blessed by God?
2. Have you had a time in your life when you were experience pain and heartache, yet felt blessed by God. Describe that time. How did you feel?
3. Write a letter to God telling Him how you feel about His blessings.