How to Live a Blessed Life

Want to know the secret to a blessed life? The world’s definition of ‘blessed’ might include fancy vacations or luxury cars—but Jesus defined ‘blessed’ differently. Let’s look at some of Jesus’ teachings from His Sermon on the Mount, specifically, The Beatitudes, and how they relate to our lives today.

1-2 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:

3 “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

4 “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

5 “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.

6 “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat."
Matthew 5:1-6

1. Make an Effort to Spend Time With Jesus

Before Jesus shared The Beatitudes, He climbed a hillside, and His disciples climbed with Him. When spending time with Jesus feels difficult, we need to remember that everything worthwhile is uphill. Sometimes to hear God’s voice, we need to draw away from the crowd and embrace the climb. 

2. Admit Your Need for God

Self-help and self-empowerment only go so far. God wants us to recognize our need for Him, so His power and strength can be on display in our lives. Verse three says, “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.” 

3. Through Your Losses, Allow God to Love You

Verse four says, “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.” And Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

When you feel like you’ve been knocked down, allow God’s perfect love to lift you up. Your faith will grow stronger as you allow God to hold you through every challenge. 

4. Live a Life of Contentment 

A life of contentment isn’t a life of more stuff, more fame, or even more comfort. A life of contentment is found when we walk with Jesus and enjoy His presence, partner with Him, and follow His example. 

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30

5. Develop a Hunger and Thirst for God

We can train ourselves to crave the right things in life. When our souls feel empty, instead of reaching for retail therapy or entertainment, we can reach for God’s presence. His love never runs dry. 

C.S. Lewis said it best: 

“Hunger would be absurd if there was no such thing as food. Thirst would

be absurd if there was no such thing as water. Loneliness would be

absurd if there was no possibility of satisfying that yearning in relationship

with another human being. The desire to find God would be absurd if He

did not exist.”

This article was adapted from Dr. John Maxwell’s message “How to Live a Blessed Life.”