#231 THE BLESSED LIFE 10-4-26

Psalm 112 begins with a simple declaration: “Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, Who delights greatly in His commandments.” The world has many ideas about what makes a person blessed. Psalm 112 points us in another direction. True blessing begins with God.

The blessed person is not described by the size of his house, the amount of money in his account, or the number of people who know his name. He is described by his relationship with God. He fears the Lord. He loves His word. He delights in obedience.

Then the psalm says, “His descendants will be mighty on earth; The generation of the upright will be blessed” (Psalm 112:2). A faithful life leaves something behind. Our greatest legacy may not be something we purchase or build, but something we plant in the hearts of others.

Psalm 112 also says, “He will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD” (Psalm 112:7). That is a powerful kind of faith. Bad news may come. Difficult days may come. The future may be uncertain. But the heart that trusts God does not have to be ruled by fear.

The psalm concludes by describing the righteous person as gracious, compassionate, and generous. Faith in God changes the way we treat people.

The blessed life is not a trouble-free life. It is a God-centered life.

Fear the Lord. Delight in His word. Trust His promises. Give generously. Walk uprightly.

And when the winds begin to blow, keep your heart steadfast.

God is still worthy of your trust.

__________________

Lord, help us fear You, delight in Your word, and trust You when life becomes uncertain. Make our hearts steadfast, our hands generous, and our lives a blessing to others. Keep us faithful and anchored in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bryan Dewayne Dunaway