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      Have you noticed that the word BLESSED is affiliated with material wealth and success?  I got a promotion and raise. #Blessed!  I got a new car.  #Blessed!  My family is better than yours.  #Blessed!  I vacation in the world’s most exotic places.  #Blessed!  A house, car, spouse, travel, good health, and financial wealth are the summation of being blessed for many in western culture.  As a matter-of-fact, the word BLESSED has been hijacked by the culture.  I’ve heard people who do not believe in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit refer to themselves as BLESSED.  Why?  Because blessed is being referred to as a desired outcome, abundance, happiness and comfort.  The word blessed has become a popular hashtag.   
     Unfortunately, many in the body of Christ have fallen into this trap as well.  The bigger the church and congregation… #Blessed.  Whoever wears the most expensive clothes… #Blessed!   If I earn six figures…#Blessed!  If I drive a Mercedes or Bentley….#Blessed!  I’m chasing the bag…#Blessed!  Our sense of entitlement has caused us to believe we are not blessed if we don’t have material possessions.   Let me be clear!  Material blessings are included in God’s favor; however, the Bible has a deeper meaning to the word blessed.   
     What does it really mean to be #blessed?  The Bible measures blessed differently from how the world measures it.  To be blessed is to experience the full impact of God’s presence in our lives.  Being blessed is about our spiritual state and well-being.  Being blessed is an internal joy and contentment that cannot be shaken when life happens.   True servants of God are blessed regardless of our circumstances.   We are blessed because our sins are forgiven and can no longer be counted against us (Psalm 32:1-2).   
     As I write this blog, it was like a slap on the face.  Lately, I haven’t felt “blessed” because I am not where I want to be financially or in my career.  I feel like I am going backwards.  Nevertheless, I had to reframe my thinking to view my circumstances through the word of God.  I am blessed and we are blessed because our spiritual blessings far outweigh any earthly blessings (Ephesians 1:3).  You and I have been given every blessing through the completed work of Christ.  I would rather be with Jesus in a storm than without Him on a crystal lake.  The presence of God in our lives means we are from here to eternity…….#Blessed!