Blessings, Cursings

There's something annoyingly paradoxical about learning the most when life is the hardest. For example, I think back on some of my toughest classes. Yet those are the lessons I remember most vividly (i.e. my freshman year philosophy class). 

In today's Beth Moore bible study lesson, I love her take on this idea. She references a psalms commentary which states:

"Biblically, one is pronounced blessed when God is present and involved in his life."

When God is present in our life, Beth says, he is ACTIVELY directing his affairs for a divine purpose. God has a purpose for me to be in Indianapolis this summer. He has a purpose for my sister to be a camp counselor. He has a purpose for you to be reading this blog post right now. And in the tougher times, his presence is to comfort us. (Matthew 5:4)

And here's a passage from Beth that I've broken down and analyzed. Her words are in bold:

Blessedness describes the condition of a person who reveres God, steeps her life in Him, and follows his Ways. 

We are blessed when we respect and put God first. If we allow him to seep into every aspect of our life, he will reward us. This means exposing everything - all sin - and laying it at his feet.

She doesn't just look to God in spiritual or religious matters. She looks to Him in every matter. He's not just the most important part of her life. He is her life. 

What percentage of your life is for God? 25 percent? 80 percent? He wants it all. After all, the Bible states that our God is a jealous God. He doesn't want just some of our attention. If we can't be engaged with Him, then we don't allow him the space or time to do good. 

The result of this divine invasion is that the life operates overall at optimum earth-satisfaction, joy and purpose without the crushing burdens of self-glory and sin. In other words, her life actually works.

Know someone in your life who seems to never have a bad day? Granted, we all have bad days. But when you are living for the Lord, your perspective on life changes drastically. There is a hope for the future, and every encounter and conversation is an opportunity to bring glory to God. 

What does it take to be blessed? Fear God (respect Him) and walk in His ways. For example, it will allow us to love our enemies. 

Holding a grudge is like letting a wound remain untreated. Letting go of that grudge, however - and learning to forgive makes us joyful givers and value healthy relationships.