“Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord. The Lord bless you from Zion! May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life! May you see your children’s children! Peace be upon Israel!” (v1-6)
This song is an encouragement to all those who may wonder if following God is worthwhile. It basically promises that obedience to God will result in a prosperous household.
This again, is not a prosperity gospel. It does not promise a trouble-free existence, though being obedient to God can promise a consequence-free existence. What I mean is, God won’t punish us for sins we don’t commit (that would be unfair and unjust). We can however still suffer general circumstantial troubles as the Lord allows (eg. car breaks down, house fire, etc.).
What we’re learning here is that it will be well with our souls, and possibly the souls of our families (though they still have free will) if we submit to God to the best of our abilities. Our souls will be prosperous, and the external circumstances won’t harm our souls if we are right with God.
The author then concludes with a blessing, wishing those who obey God a long life and the blessing of a prosperous nation (though that’s a little unlikely in today’s culture, it’s the thought that counts 🙂 ).
I offer a blessing and encouragement as well: “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.” (Php 3:13-15) Don’t worry about potential struggles along the way, continue seeking God and His will for your life and you will obtain the greatest blessing of all – a reconciled relationship with God and His kingdom here on earth.
Father God, thank you for encouraging us to continue down the path of righteousness, even when the world pursues our distraction and destruction. You do not promise our journey will be easy, but You do promise to journey with us. Thank you for the countless blessings You share, even the keyboard on which I’m typing, as all of Your blessings point our hearts and worship back to You. May we continue to count the blessings You give, and glorify You, for You are our one true God who is worthy of such praise. In the name of Jesus our Redeemer we thank you. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training