Smile on me, Father

Smile on me, Father

What does it mean to say, “I am blessed by God”? Many use “rich” and “blessed” interchangeably as if the only way God blesses us is to increase our wealth. Others determine that ‘blessings’ must include perfect health, or increased influence, or an untroubled life. A shallow reading of the Bible, particularly the Old Testament, might lead to those conclusions.  The New Testament does not exclude the possibility of health, wealth, or comfort in the Christian life but Jesus invites us to a ‘blessedness’ that goes deeper than pleasant circumstances.  All of the Bible brings us this truth:  we enjoy the most blessed life when we are utterly dependent on God, resting fully in Him.

Joseph became one of the most blessed men in the Bible, but only after living through one catastrophe after another. In each one, he chose to faithfully trust God and emerged with greater blessing.

Abraham is a man who enjoyed God’s favor but only as he followed the lead of the Spirit.

Job is a symbol of suffering, but his story concludes with blessings as he remained faithful to the Lord even in the depths of darkness.

Jesus’ path descended to the Cross and then the grave, before emerging from the Tomb and ending at the exalted place at the Father’s right hand.

The paradox of the blessed life is one that many Christians cannot accept.  The richest blessings come when we give ourselves away. Jesus tells us that we must ‘take up our cross,’ a stunning and stark call to death, before we can find true life.  In Matthew 5, He says that blessings emerge from mourning, meekness, hunger and thirst, and being ‘poor in spirit.’  He goes on to say that mercy, not asserting ourselves;  purity, not gratifying our sensual desires; and making peace are paths to God’s favor.  Mourning allows us to know God’s comfort! Meekness opens us to an inheritance only God can give. Hunger lets the Spirit prepare a meal that makes our soul fat. Purity allows us to live near God’s heart. Are there greater blessings than these?

Read again the ‘if-then’ passage of Deuteronomy, chapters 28 to 30. There Moses calls the people of the Lord to "revere this glorious and awesome name—the LORD your God—" (Deuteronomy 28:58, NIV) and in the starkest terms shows that faith leads to blessings.  It is both right and proper to pray, “smile on me, Father.”  We are the children in whom He delights. But like any good father, He understands that to indulge us is only to destroy us. So, He leads us through discipline, inviting us to greater faith. There we find the blessing.

Here’s a word from the Word. Be blessed! "Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD. They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness. For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn. Indeed, our shield belongs to the LORD, our king to the Holy One of Israel." (Psalm 89:15-18, NIV)