Perhaps our greatest need regarding being blessed is to recognize that we are in a state of blessedness.

When Jesus sat on the mountain and the disciples came to him, the first words of his sermon were “Blessed are the…”

His sermon on the mountain was not about how his disciples might become blessed.  Not even about how to be a blessing to others.  It’s not necessarily the wealthy who are blessed, or the powerful, the famous or successful, the beautiful or enviable.  Most often we think of being blessed with material goods or good health or loving family.

However, as is usual, Jesus turns our ideas upside down.  God calls the down and out blessed.  Those who are distressed or yearning passionately for rightness are blessed.  Peacemakers are blessed, those who dare to enter the midst of a conflict.  And blessed are the persecuted for the sake of believing in Jesus Christ.  These are the blessed and are called to rejoice and be glad.

Being blessed does not depend on our situation in life.  Blessedness is ours in Jesus Christ no matter the conditions of our life.  It’s like those wedding vows are applied to our whole life. Blessedness is ours “to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health.”  We are loved and cherished by God until we depart this life in death.  All of this per “God’s holy will” and pledged to us in his faithfulness.

When Christ returns, we will see where all our blessedness leads.  “Come blessed of my Father and inherit the kingdom prepared for you before the foundation of the world.”