BLESSED? BLESSED!

1 Peter 4:14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

We use some words to mean almost the exact opposite of their real definition. Here’s a few that I have seen recently: Fancy, Deluxe, and Classic. A packet of ketchup at the McDonald’s is fancy?! At another fast food restaurant the Deluxe burger is not the big one with all the stuff on it, it’s the small one! And I saw a car advertisement in the newspaper for a Classic Gremlin. If there is any automobile that is not a classic it’s the AMC Gremlin of the ‘70s…what a lemon! I’ve always said, “If life gives you Gremlins, make Gremlinade.”

There is a word in the Bible that sometimes we read like that: Blessed. You probably remember what Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit…the meek…the insulted…and the persecuted.” Does that sound blessed to you? We almost get to the point that we think, “If Jesus says you’re blessed, you’re probably suffering.”

The problem is our definition of blessed. We think we are blessed if…wait a second, you fill in the blank. What do you think of as being blessed? I am blessed if _______________________. If you’re like me you want to manipulate the test and think of something real spiritual to put in the blank. But my default way of thinking goes like this, “If only I had enough money to feel secure, I would be happy…if only our cars would cooperate…if only people would recognize my value...if only…” And my working definition of blessed gets exposed. How about yours?

But we know better than that! The Lord has taught us that real blessedness is found in Jesus Christ. He has turned our anxiety into peace. He has turned our sadness into joy. He has turned our bitterness into forgiveness. He has turned our loneliness into community. He has turned our anger into a servant spirit. Would we trade that blessedness for worldly wealth or popularity or power or pleasure? No!

We have committed ourselves to the faithful Creator and we will continue to follow in His way!

Listen to these scripture passages. Really, read them out loud:

Matthew 6:31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

We really are blessed beyond measure in Jesus Christ!