A Life of Blessedness

Blessed Are . . .

How many times have we heard people promising us some aspect or version of the "blessed" life?  It is the basis for most info commercials.  There are no shortages of ideas, generally with a product associated with them for you to purchase, that claim to be able to deliver to you the "blessed" life.  The self help industry represents about 11 billion dollars a year.  Apparently people are interested, even if not always very discerning or wise.  Blessed are . . . who?

In the midst of the "blessed are" industry, we still have these ancient but remarkably pertinent words from Psalm 1 which help us get a true grasp on what blessedness really is.  What is the blessed life really all about?  How does one go about living it?  What does it look like?  This is what Pastor Jon explores this morning as he reflects together with us on the first song in the songbook of ancient Israel - the book of Psalms.  

As we listen to and reflect on the words in the Psalms, notice the images it portrays and the contrasts it draws.  What surfaces for us here as us do so?  Walking in step with.  Standing in the place where.  Sitting in the company of. What kinds of things do we orient our life to and around?  In contrast, there are places for delight, reflection and drawing nourishment.  The lives that emerge from the later are very different than what is shaped by the former.   

What are the patterns and places from which we draw direction and nourishment?  How does singing this song remind us of what is ultimately significant?

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