Why is it that happiness eludes some people? It very well could be that they are clueless as to what it means to be 'blessed'.

The Book of Psalms gives us seven specific ways to be blessed. The word 'blessed' ('esher' in the Hebrew) is derived from a word meaning 'to be level, right, happy and make progress'. 'To be blessed' is to be spiritually prosperous and happy as a result of a right relationship with God and others. A relationship flourishes when you are in loving 'on the level' communication with someone - eye to eye and heart to heart.

What are some of the contributing factors to a blessed life?

1. Cultivate the Lost Art of Biblical Meditation. A person who delights in the Word of God and develops the art of consistent meditation becomes adept at rejecting ungodly counsel, cooperating with God's redemptive purposes and as a result of becoming receptive to God's thoughts, grows strong in the grace of spiritual prosperity (Psalm 1). They soon develop a positive mental attitude and happy disposition. Meditation is good heart medicine. The Latin root of the word 'meditation' is found also in the word 'medicalus' from which we get the English word 'medicine'. Like any medicine, the Word of God must be taken internally. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly" (Colossians 3:16). As we reflect upon God's Word, we kindle our godly passions and are readied for wise communication. "My heart grew hot within me, and as I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke..." (Psalm 39:3-4).
2. Enjoy the Benefits of Honest Confession. Confession means that we come back into alignment with God by personally agreeing with His verdicts, owning up to our failures, admitting our sins and accepting His forgiveness. "Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit." (Psalms 32:1-2). In the New Testament the Apostle John speaks of this benefit as 'walking in the light'(1John 1:7). Don't waste time and energy covering up sin in the darkness. "If we confess our sins, he (God) is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1John 1:9). King David tried to hide his sin of adultery with Bathsheba. He was plagued by true moral guilt. "When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the LORD'-- and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him."
3. Trust God at all times. "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him." (Psalm 34:8). "Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods." (Psalm 40:4) "Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage." "O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you." (Psalm 84:5,12).
4. Seek to maintain justice and do right. "Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right." (Psalm 106:3). Remember to show kindness to the poor and the weak. "Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble. The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes." (Psalm 41:1-2 NIV) Be a doer of the Word and not just a hearer (James 1:22-25).
5. Give God due respect by praising Him and walking in His ways. "Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands. His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed." (Psalm 112:1-2 NIV). "Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing." (Psalm 34:9). "Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways...Thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD." (Psalm 128:1,4). "Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD." (Psalm 89:15 NIV).
6. Submit to His discipline and His life-lessons (Psalm 94:12 NIV). "Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD, the man you teach from your law." Learn to dignify every trial by persevering. Draw close to the Lord and learn from all your experiences.
7. Recognize where all these blessings are obtained: IN CHRIST JESUS. There is only one man who legally deserves the infinite blessings of God. There was only one who ever fulfilled the law of God by living a perfectly righteous life. There is only one in history who was not ever found to be legally in violation of God's standards. Only one has ever deserved to be free from the death penalty for sin: Jesus Christ. The good news is that He who knew no sin, was willing and able to pay our sin-debt. He voluntarily identified Himself with the guilty sinner taking the capital punishment our sins deserved, rising three days later to legally acquit us from all guilt. Those who transfer their trust to Christ and His saving work on their behalf become identified with Him in His righteousness. As a gracious result, they receive the blessings that His righteous life has merited.

"For there (in the community of those redeemed by, identified with, and united in CHRIST JESUS) the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore." (Psalm 133:3).

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing IN CHRIST." (Ephesians 1:3).