Happiness seems to be what the whole world wants. But happiness is based on feelings, luck, and circumstances. Blessedness is something deeper. Blessedness is rooted in God.

I bless God every chance I get;
my lungs expand with his praise.
(Psalm 34:1, MSG)

There’s a huge difference between happiness and blessedness. The difference is GOD.
God is the source of all the good things in our lives.
God is the source of peace in the midst of hardships.
God is the source of strength in the suffering.
I am not all the time happy but I am always blessed. So I choose to bless God every chance I get and praise him morning, noon, and night.

I live and breathe God;
   if things aren’t going well, hear this and be happy:
Join me in spreading the news;
   together let’s get the word out.
God met me more than halfway,
   he freed me from my anxious fears.
Look at him; give him your warmest smile.
   Never hide your feelings from him.
When I was desperate, I called out,
   and God got me out of a tight spot.
God’s angel sets up a circle
   of protection around us while we pray.
Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see—
         how good God is.
   Blessed are you who run to him.
(Psalm 34: 2-8, MSG)

The difference between happiness and blessedness comes very clear in the times of trouble. Happiness and brokenness don’t go hand in hand. But blessedness and brokenness live well together. God offers to help us whenever we are in trouble. No prerequisites, no holiness requirements. We just need to plead for help. Blessed are who run to God.

Worship God if you want the best;
   worship opens doors to all his goodness.
Young lions on the prowl get hungry,
   but God-seekers are full of God.
Come, children, listen closely;
   I’ll give you a lesson in God worship.
Who out there has a lust for life?
   Can’t wait each day to come upon beauty?
Guard your tongue from profanity,
   and no more lying through your teeth.
Turn your back on sin; do something good.
   Embrace peace—don’t let it get away!
God keeps an eye on his friends,
   his ears pick up every moan and groan.
God won’t put up with rebels;
   he’ll cull them from the pack.
(Psalm 34: 9-16, MSG)

We are invited to be who we were created to be. We are called to share our whole lives with God. Not just the happy occassions. We are truly welcome as we are. Anyone broken? That’s all right. Anyone in trouble? That’s all right. Anyone failed miserably? That’s all right. Come to God, you are cherished, loved, and wanted. Just as you are.

Is anyone crying for help? God is listening,
   ready to rescue you.
If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there;
   if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath.
Disciples so often get into trouble;
   still, God is there every time.
He’s your bodyguard, shielding every bone;
   not even a finger gets broken.
The wicked commit slow suicide;
   they waste their lives hating the good.
God pays for each slave’s freedom;
   no one who runs to him loses out.
(Psalm 34: 17-22, MSG)

God is available 24/7. Always listening, always ready to rescue. Like the psalm 34:19 says “disciples so often get into trouble; still, God is there every time”. We don’t need to be perfect. We don’t need to pretend to be anything we are not. We allowed to feel what we feel. We are allowed to be broken. God is right there with us. He is picking up the pieces of our broken hearts and putting them back together. No one who runs to God loses out.

Because of God we are blessed even though when our circumstances are harsh. We don’t need to deny or hide our messy lives. God knows us better than we know ourselves. But God does not want to leave us where he finds us. He wants to create beauty out of chaos, love out of bitterness, and gentleness out of pride. God wants to be real in our lives. No facades, please. No faking, please. You are loved just as you are. You are a Master’s piece in making. You are a child of God!

 

Gracious God,
We thank you for
being real and wanting authenticity.
We praise you for
loving us without reservations.
We express our gratitude for
tender loving care
always available for us.
We shout for joy because
you send blessings upon blessings.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: How are you blessed?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you praise God no matter what is going on your life!

Image courtesy of Kendall Conner . Linked up with Sharing His Beauty and