Shevat 20
Blessed
“Blessed is the man
…” (Ps 1:1 ISR)
The Amplified Bible
renders “blessed” as “happy, fortunate,
prosperous, and enviable”[1],
a goal that all of us would deem worthwhile.
But what does it really mean to be “blessed”? Examining one of the
definitions used by Noah Webster, we find that being blessed is “enjoying spiritual happiness and the favor
of God; enjoying heavenly felicity”[2];
again, a worthwhile goal.
May I present my own
definition to you? I believe that the
state of being “blessed” is one of being content with yourself, and at peace
with your Maker. It has long been my
perception that happiness is momentary and fleeting; however, to be content
with where you are, both physically and spiritually, brings the shalom the passes all understanding (see
Phi 4:7). Even while enduring the
correction and discipline of our Creator (see Job 5:17; Ps 94:12), and even
when we are standing under a torrent of insults and persecution (see Mat
5:10-12), we can still maintain this contentment; for the Scriptures tell us
that these conditions – among others - are also a blessing.
And yet, how do reach for
and attain this goal of being “blessed”?
Though there are more than 40 different places where the word “blessed”
is used in the Tanakh (Old Testament), and a further 50 in the Brit Chadasha
(New Testament), my focus will be centered on Psalm 1, as I believe there is
much we can learn from it. Journey with
me, folks, as we take apart and learn more from the Word of our Elohim!
“Blessed
is the one You choose, And bring near to dwell in Your courts. We are satisfied
with the goodness of Your house, Your set-apart Hĕḵal.”
(Ps 65:4 ISR)
©2018
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