PICTURE: Anneclaire Le Royer (iStockphoto.com) "The phrase 'God bless you' is primarily a prayer. It's not an optimistic wishful thought where I'm simply hoping for the best for you. Neither should we limit the idea of blessing to something good happening in our lives, of which God is the source. It's not just about being happy."

29th November, 2004

LLOYD HARKNESS

It used to be that when you heard the phrase 'God bless you', it came with an American accent or perhaps a church setting. This is not quite so anymore. I'm hearing more Australians on the radio and on television use this cliché. (Unfortunately that is what it has become.)

Coming from the mouths of some people it means 'my best wishes go out to you' or 'may something good happen for you'. It's a nice thing to say. But is this what the Bible means when it talks of God blessing his people? What does it mean to be blessed?

The phrase 'God bless you' is primarily a prayer. It's not an optimistic wishful thought where I'm simply hoping for the best for you. Neither should we limit the idea of blessing to something good happening in our lives, of which God is the source. It's not just about being happy.

The Collins Dictionary definition is a step forward in understanding what it means to be blessed and to bless. It outlines three key ideas: to call on God to protect, help, inspire, and so on; to worship and adore God; and, to be endowed with health, happiness, a talent, beauty and so on.

At the core of this definition is the idea that God gives us a range of gifts, including life itself, and man's response to such generosity and love, is worship. We've been blessed. We've received from His hand.

So how does that sit with the current understanding of being blessed? Do we have to have a carefree life where everything runs smoothly, to be blessed? And if my life is more bumpy than smooth, does that mean God doesn't care enough about me to bless me?

The Bible suggests that while we may receive individual blessings, as in good gifts, we live a blessed life whatever the circumstances may be.

God's commitment to us is eternal. Christ was preparing to shed His blood for us down that long corridor of eons past. Calvary wasn't 'Plan B' tacked on at a later stage because mankind stuffed up. God is favourably disposed towards us and because of His disposition to us we live blessed lives, even when (or perhaps especially because) that involves correction (see Job 5:17-18).

Hence the Beatitudes (be in this attitude or have this frame of mind and heart), in Matthew chapter five, speak of what is ultimately for our well-being when it says things like "Blessed are those who mourn". Jesus was saying to be blessed is to have a joy which carries you through life. This joy stems from the centrality of Jesus in our lives and an awareness of and participation in God's plan for mankind's salvation.

Thus Jesus could say, "Blessed are the peacemakers" or "Blessed are those who are persecuted". I don't think there are a whole lot of good times in being involved in other people's disputes or in copping a smack in the chops because of the confession of your faith.

Fundamentally, to be blessed is simply about becoming a partner with God in what he is doing. The joy that comes from this union carries you through even the times of confusion.