Blessed to be a Blessing
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Jeremiah 17:7-8
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat
comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.
Isaiah 26:3-4
Thou dost keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusts in thee. Trust in the Lord for ever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.
Matthew 5:3-10
3. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5. "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. 8. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10. "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed refers to “ultimate well-being and distinctive spiritual joy of those who share the salvation of the kingdom of God” according to my bible notes. These “beatitudes” offer tremendous comfort to us in living today, just as they did in the time of Jesus. And notice Jeremiah expands upon his original statement of trusting in the Lord to trusting is the Lord. God represents, personifies, defines, reveals and provides the only thing we need to live in this world: HIM!
The point wasn’t lost on Isaiah either! He knew the only way to make it through each day was to rely on the Lord completely and absolutely. How else could these two great, mighty men even sleep at night? They had a lot going on, and a great deal to worry about! Without God, they wouldn’t have been able to bear up. They had mighty works to do and they had to rely upon God completely and absolutely to do what God had ordained them to do!
Interesting how timeless these words are. The verses from Matthew might as well just tell us to “give it all to God.” That’s the short-version for those in a hurry! In every situation, through every trial, through every challenge, in all things, God is the answer, Jesus is the way and the truth. These verses all describe an attitude toward each other. But also an attitude before God. We are to be completely honest in acknowledging our sinfulness, our inability to overcome evil, our dysfuntion and distress at living in this world. Give it to God and he will comfort you, uplift you, support you, guide you, and most importantly, love you beyond imagining.
I am blessed indeed to humble myself before God. Each day he uses me to minister to his world, I am awed and humbled. Every time he sends me forth to speak his truth, I am excited and joyful that he considers me able--and I rejoice because I know its not from myself, but from Him that my words and actions have effect.
I hope today you humble yourself before the God who deems us worthy as his vessels of healing and hope in the world. And that you find the comfort of being blessed beyond imagining.
Mary
