Blessedness

A number of years ago I worked in an area of the city known as the 'Hilltop.'  Stories were certainly circulating about the criminal activity of the area.  Considering the reputation of drugs and gangs in the area, though, many of the people were 'happy.'  This 'happy' was not the kind of happy you might associate with drugs or drinking, but the kind of 'happy' associated with being blessed by God.  I would ask the people--"How are you?" Some replied--"I am blessed."  Some would respond--"I am blessed.  Blessed means happy."

The peoples' use of 'blessed' in their greeting response was unique to me because where I moved from in Northeast Tennessee, I often heard the phrase "Bless your heart" or the common "Bless you" after a sneeze, but I do not recall anyone saying they were blessed when asked, "How are you?" Most often I had heard the word used in a church setting, not in a retail setting.

Despite all the Hilltop crime that many of the citizens had lived around or were living through, they were set apart in their blessedness.  This was a good thing.  To me, those who were 'blessed' stood out like beacons on the Hilltop.  Their countenance radiated happiness.

In the opening words of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus bestowed happiness and rewards upon His followers who produced the good fruit of His teachings.  These teachings are known as the beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12:

3) Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4) Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5) Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6) Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
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 the children of God.
10) Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11) Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil agaist you falsely, for my sake.
12) Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

As we are blessed by God, we have the opportunity to bless or praise God in return.  This exchange of blessings is exactly what is shown in the praise song--"Blessed Be Your Name" by Matt Redman.

Praise God through the good times and the bad! Amen!