It is so easy to complain or focus on the chaos that is going on around us that we tend to forget how blessed we truly are.
Growing up, I was taught the Beatitudes (derived from the word beati which translates to “happy”, “rich”, or “blessed”) from Matthew 5. When we meditate this scripture, we will realize how blessed we are.
I love the Message version of Matthew 5: Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.
4 “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
5 “You’re blessed when your content with just who you are—no more, no less. That is the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that cannot be bought.
6 “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He is food and drink in the best meal you will ever eat.
7 “You’re blessed when you care. Now of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.
8 “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
9 “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That is when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
10 “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.
11-12 “Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even! —for though they do not like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.
As believers, we are blessed because we have Jesus who went through it all for us and that is enough to give God thanks.
In the midst of mess, we are blessed!
Prayer: God I thank you for blessing me with all spiritual blessings. God, I repent allowing negative situations cause me to be ungrateful. Because of what Jesus went through I the cross I am blessed. I receive in Jesus’ name! Amen.