This morning I read Luke 1:26-56 about when Mary visits Elizabeth. Well actually, I didn't "read" it; I listened to it via my YouVersion droid app while putting in some mileage on the treadmill. And I have to give those YouVersion people props for making the word of God so accessible. High five, chest bump!
Before I share my thoughts, a definition of blessing is in order since we tend to misinterpret it; blessing is God's favor, His smile, His delight in us that in turn makes us oh so happy.
When the angel, Gabriel, visited Mary to tell her God was going to make her the mama of His son she was confused and disturbed but she resolves those feelings with a confidence in God saying, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”
Shortly after receiving the incredible news, Mary went to visit Elizabeth. She was at best a few days pregnant. Baby Jesus was just a cluster of rapidly dividing cells. No heartbeat. No fingers and toes. No little flutter kicks to let her know he was there. No evidence to confirm the promise was in the midst of being fulfilled. This is when Elizabeth says, "You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said." Like other biblical examples (check out Hebrews 11), Mary experienced God's blessing, or favor, not because of what she did but because of her belief that God would do. And she experienced it at the moment she believed even though God's plan had not yet unfolded as promised.
Mary's experience is not exclusive. As with her, our beliefs directly relate to our happiness. Anyone who places his/her trust in God has access to blessing. Our belief in God's infinite ability and benevolent willingness to act in our lives increases the aperture of our vision for God's glory revealed in us which perpetuates blessing. In other words, believing God pleases Him and pleasing Him results in our ultimate happiness.
What's the secret to happiness? The key to experiencing blessing? Believe GOD!
My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praises! Psalm 57:7
