SHEVAT 12
Blessed
“Blessed is the man …” (Ps 1:1)
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 that 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 Apostolic Writings (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)
©2021
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