In order to provide a “book end” to what we began looking at in Psalm one (which gives a preview for the rest of the book), I thought it might be interesting to look at the characteristics of those who are “blessed.” This Hebrew word for “blessed” in Psalm 1:1 appears throughout the Psalms – the vast majority of its usages in the Old Testament are found in Psalms.

So, here we go! Want to be blessed? Check out other usages of this word in Psalms:

• How blessed are all who take refuge in Him! (Psalm 2:12)
• How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered!
• How blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit! (Psalm 32:1-2)
• How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! (Psalm 34:8)
• How blessed is he who considers the helpless (Psalm 41:1)
• How blessed is the one whom You choose and bring near to You
to dwell in Your courts. We will be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Your holy temple. (Psalm 65:4)
• How blessed are those who dwell in Your house! They are ever praising You. (Psalm 84:4)
• How blessed is the man whose strength is in You (Psalm 84:5)
• How blessed is the man who trusts in You! (Psalm 84:12)
• How blessed… O LORD, they walk in the light of Your countenance. (Psalm 89:15)
• Blessed is the man whom You chasten, O LORD, And whom You teach out of Your law (Psalm 94:12)
• How blessed are those who keep justice
• Who practice righteousness at all times! (Psalm 106:3)
• How blessed is the man who fears the LORD,
• Who greatly delights in His commandments. (Psalm 112:1)
• How blessed are those whose way is blameless,
• Who walk in the law of the LORD. (Psalm 119:1)
• How blessed are those who observe His testimonies,
• Who seek Him with all their heart. (Psalm 119:2)
• How blessed is everyone who fears the LORD,
• Who walks in His ways. (Psalm 128:1)
• How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
• Whose hope is in the LORD his God (Psalm 146:5)

Sound familiar? The entire book of Psalms echoes with these truths, and their echo is heard once again in Matthew 5 in the great teachings of the Master -

• Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
• Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
• Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
• Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
• Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
• Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
• Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
(Matthew 5:3-9)

True blessing begins in a right relationship with God as our only Savior and Lord, continues as we deal rightly with our sin and thirst for His righteousness, deepens as the Word sinks into our hearts and lives, and pours out of us in genuine love for those around us.

Are you truly blessed?

Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
Psalm 1:1-3