Blessed

What does it mean to be blessed? It can mean someone who is experiencing peace and joy, or it can refer to someone who just seems to have good things happen. We desire to have blessed lives, and some of you may have set goals for this year in hopes that you will have a blessed year. 

What does the Bible say about being blessed? The Psalmist gives us some perspective on what a blessed life looks like. In the first psalm he writes: 

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. — Psalm 1:1-2

The psalmist tells us that blessed people stay away from sin. They do not put themselves under the influence of people who walk contrary to God and His commands. The psalmist is not telling us that we are not to have any interactions with unbelievers because that would be almost impossible. What he is talking about is who we allow to influence and shape us. Who or what are you allowing to influence you? If we are spending a majority of our time consuming ungodly influences, we will struggle. We need to carefully guard our hearts against sinful influences.  

However, living a blessed life involves more than just avoiding sin’s influence. The psalmist tells us that we also need to have the right focus. Those who are blessed delight in God’s Word. This means that we need to value the Word of God and take pleasure in it. Our minds need to be set on what is good because if we do not fill our mind with God’s Word other things will come in and take its place. What do you get excited about? What do you like to think about and meditate on? These are the things that are influencing our mindset and our actions. I am reminded of Paul’s instructions to the church at Philippi. 

 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. — Philippians 4:8

If we desire to live in God’s blessing this year, then we need to meditate on God’s Word and stay away from sin’s influence. While these steps sound simple, they do require effort and discipline. Thankfully, God is ready and willing to help those who seek Him in prayer. May we live blessed lives in 2025.