A Prayer About True Blessedness
“Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.” Romans 4:7-8
Most holy and loving Father, I’m thinking about “blessings” today, and how this perfectly good word seems to have been taken hostage by my me-centered culture. There are all kinds of books, DVD’s, blogs, broadcasts, pod-casts, tweets and chirps, calculated to help me know how to get more “blessings” from you-telling me how to live a life that you reward, decorate and “bless”… giving me formulas for gaining more of your favor and getting more “favors” from you.
Though I feel the cynic in me rising… I must confess, Lord, that I am just as selfish and self-centered as the most egregious “bless-me” offender I can think of. Have mercy on me, dear Lord, have mercy on ME.
Like all words, categories and concepts, you alone have the right, heavenly Father, to define what true “blessedness” is all about… and you’ve done so. In the words of your broken servant, King David, and a humbled Pharisee, the Apostle Paul, you’ve made clear to me what a “blessed life” is all about.
Blessed, indeed, am I, a man whose transgressions you have completely forgiven, once and for all; whose sins you have thoroughly covered by the blood of Jesus. Blessed, indeed, am I, a the man whose sin you will never ever forever count against me, because you counted my sin against Jesus and you now count me righteous in him!
Abba, Father, whether I live in a penthouse or an outhouse, drive a BMW or peddle a bicycle, feast on caviar or munch on a crust of bread, have a retirement fund or live check-to-check, wear up-dated fashion or hand-me-downs… I am a blessed man, a truly blessed man. There simply is no other place of favor, blessedness or reward beyond or above simply being in Christ. And in those moments of insanity when I’m tempted to think otherwise, smite me with the gospel afresh! I praise you with a heart of gratitude. So very Amen, I pray, in Jesus’ name.
