Blessed. It’s a word we see on wall art, throw pillows, and t-shirts. It’s a word we say in prayers and throw around in Christian circles.
Are you blessed? Do you feel blessed?
Transliterated, this word blessed is ‘ešer. The simple definition is “happiness.”
Are you happy? Do you feel happy?
The Psalms and the Blessed One
The Bible has a lot to say on this topic. If you have joined the Selah Moments Bible study, you’ve already encountered this word “blessed.” It appears a couple of times in the first few chapters of Psalms.
The book of Psalms is incredible! It’s actually a compilation of five books. The first two chapters serve as an introduction to the entire collection. These chapters frame who we are searching for as we read the Psalms. They point toward the righteous one, the righteous King.
Finding Jesus in the Psalms
If we read these Psalms looking for ourselves, we can become discouraged. While we want to be the blessed one, the Lord knows our failures. Reading the Psalms looking for ourselves will often leave us feeling inadequate.
Yet, when we read these Psalms looking for Jesus, we see the righteous one. We see a King who bridges the gap between our failures and God’s holiness. When we see Jesus, we find blessing.
Isn’t that so interesting? If we look for ourselves, we will become overwhelmed and discouraged. If we look for Jesus, we will actually find ourselves! Sounds a bit like denying ourselves, as defined in Matthew 16:24-25. We will find His goodness that He freely gives us, allowing us to receive the blessing He earned.
Then…and only then…we find that “happiness.”
The Blessed Bookends of Psalms
I love the first two chapters of Psalms. Chapter 1 begins and Chapter 2 ends with the bookends of this “blessed one.”
The more I see the “blessed one,” the more I find myself wanting more!
Diving Deeper with Scripture
I recently purchased a Thomas Chain Reference Bible. Those who know me may be rolling their eyes right now. Yes, I purchased another Bible. It is different from my others, and it’s going to help us understand this idea of the “blessed one.”
Anyway…this Bible helped me to see all the scripture in the Psalms related to this idea. Bear with me:
- How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! Psalm 1:1, NASB95
- Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, For His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him! Psalm 2:12, NASB95
- For You make him most blessed forever; You make him joyful with gladness in Your presence. Psalm 21:6, NASB95
- How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered! Psalm 32:1, NASB95
- How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust, And has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood. Psalm 40:4, NASB95
- How blessed is he who considers the helpless; The Lord will deliver him in a day of trouble. Psalm 41:1, NASB95
- How blessed is the one whom You choose and bring near to You To dwell in Your courts. We will be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Your holy temple. Psalm 65:4, NASB95
- How blessed are those who dwell in Your house! They are ever praising You. Selah. Psalm 84:4, NASB95
- O Lord of hosts, How blessed is the man who trusts in You! Psalm 84:12, NASB95
- How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! O Lord, they walk in the light of Your countenance. Psalm 89:15, NASB95
- How blessed are those who keep justice, Who practice righteousness at all times! Psalm 106:3, NASB95
- Praise the Lord! How blessed is the man who fears the Lord, Who greatly delights in His commandments. Psalm 112:1, NASB95
- May you be blessed of the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 115:15, NASB95
- How blessed are those whose way is blameless, Who walk in the law of the Lord. Psalm 119:1, NASB95
- How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; They will not be ashamed When they speak with their enemies in the gate. Psalm 127:5, NASB95
- How blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, Who walks in His ways. Psalm 128:1, NASB95
Who Is the Blessed One?
I dare you to read each verse and try to identify who the “blessed one” is. Is it referring to Jesus? Is it referring to King David? Is it referring to the believers of the day? Is it referring to you?
Often, the answer is an emphatic “yes.” The “blessed one” often refers to all these!
The Gospel in the Blessed One
And that is the incredible story of the gospel! When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we take on His identity. His sacrifice and our faith mold us into something new (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). As you become this new creation, it can be difficult to separate you and Jesus.
THAT, my friends, is exactly where I want to be. Wrapped so tightly in my Creator’s hands that His image truly shines through me…His image becomes my image.
Blessed Despite Hard Circumstances
Now, I know some will read these words and, due to hard circumstances, feeling blessed may seem like a pipe dream. Happiness may not be a common feeling. However, I know that we are being transformed (see Romans 12:2). Transformation isn’t always instant.
Meditating on scripture, filling our minds with Truth, and discovering the Jesus of the Bible will change us. It will change our thoughts, feelings, desires, and hopes. It might even change them so much that you aren’t sure if your dreams are yours…or really from your Creator.
Additional Resources & Tools for Study
Thompson Chain-Reference Bible
The Psalms: A Christ-Centered Commentary
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