Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. Psalm 128:1, 2.
Gracious God, what a privilege is ours to know You and to serve You. May this be the joy of our lives! For the sake of Your Son, Jesus the Christ we pray. Amen.
Some may find it unusual for the words Blessed, and fear, to be complimenting each other. Perhaps this is because, for us, these words have meanings which are diametrically opposite one to the other.
But suppose I was to paraphrase verse one to read this way: “Happy is everyone who respects the Lord, and responds in reverence and wonder to Him, and walks in His way.”
This would both sound and seem quite natural for the words happy, respect respond in reverence, to go together. Would it not? Well the truth be told, that is an acceptable paraphrase of the text. The word Blessed actually describes the state of happiness that is enjoyed by those who are obedient to the will of God. Obedience to God actually brings its own blessing into the life of the obedient!
When we recognize that the only thing God has ever wanted for us is that we be free, to enjoy His blessings, we begin to look at Scripture differently. We have the tendency to put the burden of the doing and the result of what we do, as children of God, on us, rather than on the Lord! Remember, “it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13. Emphasis provided.).
He shows you the way to happiness by revealing His will to you. He offers to do it in you and for you, if you will open the door to your life and let Him in; not for just a day, or a season. He wants to abide with you and eat at your table as long as life shall last (Revelation 3:20). He wants to help you acquire a faith that has been purified of dross. He longs to clothe you with His robe of righteousness, and open your eyes to spiritual things (18). He wants you to experience the more abundant life!
We will talk about this abundant life in verse two, tomorrow!
Note: Dedicated with love to my son, Dr. Ricardo Duncan, on his special day! May this be your experience my love!
Mam