I used to think that the words ‘blessed” and “blessing” were insipid, anemic, nebulous words. Like soft Jello, lacking shape and substance. That was before I started to study the words! Word studies enrich your mind and life! They will change your perspective on reality, because they open mental windows!
“Blessing” is at the heart of what it means to be loved by God and for us to love others. “Makarios” is one Greek word translated “blessed one.” It means possessing the favor of God. More specifically, “The believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit because of Christ and as a result should be fully satisfied no matter the circumstances.” [1]
This struck me as I thought about being indwelt by God the Holy Spirit. Oh my! That is so filling – how could there be room for any hunger? Dr. Zodhiates goes on to explain, “To be makarios, blessed, is equivalent to having God’s kingdom within one’s heart (Matt. 5; 3, 10). This is the opposite of being needy. ” (Oh my, I’m so needy. One young lady has told me I’m so needy. Sigh.) “Makarios is the one who is in the world yet independent of the world. His satisfaction comes from God and not from favorable circumstances.”[2]
I was so blown away by “makarios” last night that I had to just stop what I was doing and “be still.” This morning, as I meditate on what it means to be blessed, I smile. A peace has descended. Blessed. I’m the one who has lived an unnecessarily insipid, anemic, nebulous life – at least, portions of my life have been like that. Now, I want to live more consistently in this blessing of God as his “blessed one.” “Makarios are the poor in spirit.” Being poor has never been so satisfying.
Invitation: Please share a time when you realized how blessed you are.
Journey North Character 