APRIL 3, Matthew 5:3

We hear people use the word “blessed”, but what does it mean? Does it mean “happy”? It is more than simply being happy. Fun can last a few hours, some may even say that happiness could last for a lifetime, but blessedness or real joy is forever.

God offers more than temporary happiness. To be “blessed” is to have inner joy and peace in our hearts that comes with being right with God. Blessedness also involves having joy in our hearts no matter what is happening around us, both good and bad. It means rejoicing and having joy even when we are being bullied or badly treated or when the situation around us is very difficult or bad. In other words, blessedness is more than happiness because it is not dependent on circumstances but it is the state of mind of a person.

So when Jesus says “blessed are they,” He is not only describing them as being filled with an inner sense of joy and peace because they are right with God, but He is praising them for their character. Jesus promises rewards in Heaven for it.

Jesus is teaching us that being blessed is not about going for a holiday or having the latest iPhone. Being blessed is to be cheerful and grateful to the Lord even when we have all our things taken away or become very sick or when all our friends make fun of us (think of Job and what happened to him and how he reacted: Job 1:21).

Thought: Let us remember that JOY stands for “ Jesus, Others, You”. True blessedness and joy comes from putting Jesus first in our lives.

Prayer: Father in Heaven, remind me that You are our God and that we must put You first, no matter what. When I am troubled, distracted or worried, help me to trust in You and to look to You for help and to remember to pray without ceasing! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.