There are two readings for today.
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 128
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him. [Psalm 128:1]
What does it take to be happy, or to be considered really blessed.
Deep down, all people are looking for this, and do what they do to attain it.
To have a happy marriage and family, to have a good job with all our needs met, to be healthy and employed, to have friends and a decent enough home, to live in peace…
Certainly this is what we look for in my part of the world – many people just want enough food to stave off hunger, and for the violence or injustice to end.
But is what we call “happiness” or the “blessed life” really it?
As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.” He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” [Luke 11:27-28]
It seems that this woman really liked Jesus, and imagined that if she had been His mother, she would have been very happy and blessed.
(Simeon did not think Jesus’ mother would be so happy – “And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” [Luke 2:35])
Jesus shifts the focus of blessing towards a person’s relationship to God.
The key to blessing is how we respond to God, for God is the source of true blessing.
To make God and His will our first priority, seeking it and obeying it!
Or as Psalm 128 puts it, fearing Him and obeying Him.
The blessings of Psalm 128 describe what everyone is looking for, but it describes a different way of getting there.
Our problem is that we focus on the blessing, rather than on the source of blessing.
We look for the happy marriage and family and health and work and…
But the bible repeatedly calls us to look to God and obeying His will, and to leave the blessings to God.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. [Matthew 6:33]
Make God and His will your #1 priority, and He will take care of the blessings.
The blessings may not be what you want, but they will be what you need.
He will give you everything you need today to enjoy everything you desire tomorrow.
NOTE: everything you desire refers to the natural, proper, created desires and pleasures that God originally intended for us, not our shallow worldly desires.
Love God, trust God, obey God, and in the end you will find everything your heart truly needs and desires!
Yes, this will be the blessing for the man who fears the LORD. [Psalm 128:4]
PRAYER:
Lord, too often my focus is on the blessings and not on You. Help me to see that the only way to experience Your blessing is to seek You and obey You with all my heart.