That’s what we can expect when we choose to live God’s way: supreme blessedness. Jesus made that clear in his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). You’ll remember he began with eight statements of blessing called beatitudes.
One example:
In other words, profound joy comes to those who humbly depend on God, as they avail themselves of his heavenly kingdom-benefits.
Of course, there are many other attitudes and actions he rewards, in addition to those eight Jesus named.
Below are listed several means to blessedness that have come to my attention over the years. Perhaps you’ve experienced them too:
Blessed are the risk-takers, for they shall sail on winds of faith.
“A ship in port is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for” (Grace Murray Hopper).
Think of Abraham.
“By faith Abraham…obeyed and went,
even though he did not know where he was going.”
–Hebrews 11:8
We too have to be willing to travel blind toward undisclosed destinations. Otherwise we’ll never experience the thrill of God’s power taking us to ports we’ve never dreamed of.
The way ahead is always hidden, sometimes causing uncertainty. But! We know the One who’s leading. Uncertainty does not have to cancel out confidence.
Blessed are those who seek God’s desires, for they shall know delight and fulfillment.
Somehow we think the pursuit of our own desires will bring satisfaction. But haven’t we seen enough of the rich and powerful crash and burn in despair? “Everything [is] meaningless; a chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 2:11).
How much better off we are to pray along with the psalmist:
It is in the practice of obedience we learn its precious worth.
Blessed are the encouragers for they shall be encouraged.
Such an interesting phenomenon: make the effort to lift someone else’s spirit, and you find your own spirit uplifted. Actually, wise King Solomon recorded this be-attitude long ago:
Guaranteed double pleasure. How’s that for supreme blessing?
Blessed are the sifters of thoughts, for they enjoy golden contemplations.
If we’re not careful, our minds can easily gravitate toward dross thoughts–the negative, unwholesome, and ugly. It takes effort to seek out the gold: the honorable, lovely, and commendable. But true contentment awaits those who do.
Blessed are the focused for they shall not spread themselves too thin.
Our bodies were made for a rhythm of rest—7 to 8 hours out of every 24. Short-changing sleep actually lowers our productivity and endangers our health (1).
That’s why:
We just can’t do it all, much as we’d like to. Priorities and parameters must be set. That means, saying no to some good things may be the best choice. We must give others permission to do the same also.
Blessed are those who pay attention to the ordinary, for they discover the extraordinary.
For example:
- Icicle sentries in winter, clinging to the seat of a deck chair
- Wildflowers in springtime, cupping tiny pink and yellow stars
- Sunbeams on a summer morning, filtering into the glen
- God’s artistry (and penchant for color!) splashed on autumn leaves
Each eye-catching display is a precious love-gift from our Heavenly Father. And around us are countless more, waiting to be discovered, savored, and praised.
“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.”
–Psalm 145:3
And there you have six more beatitudes–examples of God’s supreme blessedness lavished upon us–when we choose to live by his wise and loving ways.
What be-attitude would you add? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
Note:
1) https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/tired-at-work#1 and https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/news/20170209/skimp-on-sleep-and-you-just-may-wind-up-sick#1
(Art & photo credits: http://www.canva.com; http://www.wikimedia.org; http://www.canva.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.libreshot.com; Nancy Ruegg (3); http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.canva.com.)
From the Inside Out 
Lovely!! Words and pictures both. Thank you, Nancy.
Thank YOU, Diana, for stopping by with your encouragement!
Beautiful post.
Blessed are those who know how to be quiet…. listen for God’s voice…..sit with a friend who is hurting.
Thank you, April. You are so right: quietness and attentiveness to God’s voice offer great potential for blessing, as well as supporting someone who is hurting. Great examples!
I’m not sure I could add anything of substance to this, Nancy. What lovely thoughts and images! Thank you for providing fuel for my morning contemplations! 😊
My pleasure to fuel your morning contemplations, Rebeca! Praise God for his inspiration.
Thank you Nancy. God’s blessings come everyday. This is a beautiful post. Blessing to you and Steve.
Thank you, Laura. You are so right: God’s blessings come every day–many more than we’re even aware of or could count. Hallelujah!
Blessed are those who, when doubts assail, give thanks to God for His love and mercy. (Beautiful post, Nancy.)
Oh, that’s an important one, Kathie. Gratitude is such a powerful action when doubts, discouragement, or disappointment creep in. Thank you!
Hi Nancy,
Great visuals and examples. You were able to flesh out the application of the beattitudes. You know what is awesome is the concept of being. God is I Am ( state of being concept) and the “be” attitudes are what we receive from the Lord as we practically live out the mind set or attitude. You nailed it, God’s presence in man’s lives. Human being literally means God-breathed spirit made into being.
Thank you,
Gary
Thank you, Gary, for that background information. Praise God for his patient guidance, leading us to live according to his be-attitudes, in order to experience abundant lives of blessing (peace, joy, contentment, etc.)–in fellowship with him, no less. Hallelujah!
Wow Nancy! This is another one that could go far! Simply beautiful, but then we serve a wonderful Lord!
Indeed we do serve a wonderful Lord, Sheila! Thank you for your sweet encouragement.
Thanks Nancy, your posts are always most uplifting!
A truly beautiful topic and presentation! Perhaps “Blessed are the compassionate who are not indifferent to the struggles of others; who lifts others up in prayer and follows up with them.” 1 John 3:17 (NIV): “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” I truly enjoyed the visuals!
Another important be-attitude! Thank you, Cheri!
Blessed are those who blog, refocusing the rest of us on what really matters.
Nancy, I’m saving this one because the first example alone was so rich I could spend a week mulling over its applications in my life. Thank you.
Thank you, Laurie. You are just the kind of blessing you wrote about here–a blogger who refocuses others on what really matters! It warms my heart to know you found richness here. Praise God for his inspiration!