What does it mean to be “blessed?”

Although blessed is not an exclusively Christian word, it does seem to get far more usage among those who are interested in being blessed by God. So much so, that when we hear it used in everyday speech, it is almost a code indicating that the speaker is a person of faith. We even pronounce it differently most of the time, emphasizing the last two letters, we say “bless-ed.” For instance, we don’t say, “I got up this morning and got ‘dress-ed.’” What do you mean when you say blessed?

Beyond a term of reverence, Webster uses it to illustrate the state of bliss found in heaven, or more commonly “bringing pleasure, contentment or good fortune.” The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia emphasizes happiness or favor. Blessed as used in the psalms is probably best understood as receiving and experiencing God’s favor in your life. But how do you invite God’s favor?

Psalm 1:1-2 sets the stage for knowing God’s favor when it says, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” So much of what it means to be blessed by God has to do with avoiding the evil of disobedience and the natural negative consequences that accompany bad choices. Instead, happiness and favor are natural results of knowing and following the laws and precepts prescribed by God through his Word. Delighting in and meditating on the teachings of Scripture help us to better comprehend how the Lord would have us live this earthly life. Living according to the precepts of God may not be followed by the majority, but for those who do follow God’s Word, they can depend on God’s hand of blessing, guidance, and watch care.

Lord, thank you for your hand of blessing on my life, especially when I delight in obeying your Word. AMEN

Joe Pritchett

Extended Scripture: Psalms 1–4