Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord - Jer. 17:7

The word "blessed" is frequently seen in the material world today.  I confess I have a t-shirt that I like to wear with the word on it.  But I also think the word is misunderstood...I think the world sees it one way and those in the church see it differently.  The Hebrew word is barak and means to kneel or to show favor by a gift...to receive an inheritance.  I believe it shows a heart of gratitude for favor from God...it reminds me that it is not my work that has been successful but God's.

I  believe it can be misunderstood because of so much hardship in the world...for believers and nonbelievers alike.  So maybe it seems to be blessed is an impossible goal...maybe it denotes a kind of perfect life that we likely will never see on this earth.  I don't want to ever pretend that just because I consider myself blessed, I have everything perfect in my life.  I just don't think God thinks that would be good for us.  Therefore, the many times "blessed" is used in the Bible it is connected to obedience.  Our obedience to what God's instructions are for each of us...day by day...not the total A+ we think the Lord requires.  He desires that we would seek Him and daily give our strengths and our weaknesses to Him.  To be grateful for small steps and a big God.

Cathy Morenzie in her blog said:

"If you're anything like me and struggle with the concept of TOTAL obedience, stop equating it with perfection and start thinking about it as the path to true blessings."

The world cannot offer us blessing..."blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord".

For further study:  Deu. 30:16, 1 Kings 2:1-3, 2 Chron. 16:9, Psalm 1:1-3, Proverbs 29:18, Isaiah 30:18, Matt. 5:1-12, John 15:10, Romans 8:28, James 1:12.

Be blessed in your understanding of God's word.

Love,
Holly