What do I see of the blessed One?
It is a perfect fall morning to be perched on a ridge in West Virginia. I am alone, having climbed the switchback to get to this rough shelter, and I sit in silence to soak up the beauty. There is a transition to this, a slowing of the inner drive, a quieting of the soul (not to mention a catching of the breath!). In the process, I decide to bless the Lord.
I’ve taken to occasionally using this phrase lately to start a praise: “Blessed be the God…” I find it’s a wonderful challenge to frame up the world around me through statements of the intrinsic goodness of the Lord. This practice is found in both the Testaments. Here are two uses in the New:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ… 1 Peter 1:3
The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed forever… 2 Cor 11:31
The Greek word for blessed here differs from the one used in the beatitudes (“Blessed are the meek…”). This word speaks of something inherent in the one being blessed, rather than a blessing bestowed. It is only used of God. The 18th-century English theologian John Gill elaborates on its meaning:
God may be blessed by his creatures when they speak well of him, and his wonderful works of creation, providence, and grace; when they ascribe all their mercies, spiritual and temporal, to him; give him the glory of them, and express their thanks for them in heart, lip, and life.
So, I bless the Lord from this shelter.
Blessed be the God who imagined and spoke into being a natural world brimming with complexity and contrast, with dark trees against light leaves and light trees against dark. Who gifts us with shifting sunlight that constantly reenvisions the ordinary.
Blessed be the God who brings beauty into barren places, surprising us with color, who sprinkles tiny gifts at the feet of those who would receive them.
Blessed be the God who is not daunted by how we have ruined his creation, who grieves with us in our loss, who has already won the victory over death and corruption.
Blessed be the God who knows our deep need to be noticed, to be valued, to be remembered. He alone gives permanence. He alone is our soul’s satisfaction.
Blessed be the One who makes all things reach heavenward, who places eternity in our hearts. Indeed, all things will be drawn up and complete in him.
These moments of observing through the lens of “blessed be…” help me to not only be thankful for the wonders around me, but remember that they are pointers back to the very character of the Giver.
It’s how his blessedness blesses me!
O Blessed One, give us eyes to see your gifts around us and a voice to praise you for them. They speak to us of your constancy and glory.
Reader: Craft your own “Blessed be the God…” and, if you’re willing, share it with me. I’d love to read what brings you to praise!
Feel free to email me at: bvanpatter@ailbe.org. Your thoughts are always welcome!
