The psalmist opens its most magnificent chapter of the Psalms with the primary precept found in it – that those who seek to obey God are blessed. Most likely, nearly all believers have discovered that God does bless when they begin their walk of living so as to please Him. The concept that obedience brings His blessing is important to remember to keep us going on for Him. It must be remembered because many Bible characters ofteny ran into opposition from the world when they decided to do things God’s way.

This would clearly include people such as Able who would not compromise on the sacrifice God really wanted, and Joseph, who was determined to remain pure. Hebrews 11 mentions other godly people who would not accept deliverance, even from terrible persecutions and death. They did it because they were willing rather to die pleasing God with their lives rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.

This verse takes in a lot more than just the present circumstances. It also considers eternity. Though we may not always be blessed in the here and now, there is no doubt, says the Psalmist, that they are blessed, who walk in the law of the Lord – the Bible. God’s blessing does not always result in material blessings, but He does promise sufficient provisions, inner peace, joy, power over sin, fellowship with Him, and much more.

Every believer needs to determine to walk in light of His blessing. It is true even if it should only come in eternity.

Although sin may be pleasant for a brief time, it always carries a sting with it. Afterwards, there will be some guilt, regret, sadness, and some disappointment. Sin can never satisfy in any lasting way.

A guilty conscience (which can be seared – be made insensitive) can make people irritable, quick-tempered, hasty, rob you of sleep, and unhappy. A show can be put on, but underneath the veneer there is dissatisfaction and some inner turmoil.

Once saved, the Christian has the privilege of not only being forgiven their transgressions in God’s eyes but also has the assurance of eternity with God in Heaven. In addition, there are the things in his or her heart that truly can make a person happy.

The indwelling Holy Spirit can produce in them the nine qualities mentioned above. Those nine things are: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.” All desirable characteristics. Even better, there is no law against having any of them. Of course, along with these fruit, there is also the best benefit of having a close fellowship with God.

The last phrase of the verse should also be noted. Although any true believer can have these qualities the Spirit of God gives, it must be remembered that they are contrary to the natural workings of the flesh and mind. Therefore, it should not be surprising that the requirement is: “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”

Before uttering these words, Jesus had once again told His disciples that He would first suffer and then be leaving them soon. Although they were saddened by the news, they did not understand it.

In the same way, we also are sometimes saddened by news and events that occur in our lives. It could be the death of a loved one, news of cancer or some other disease, world news, etc., but the truth is that Jesus’ reply to their sadness still can help today.

He told them the things in this verse so that even when they do face tribulation or persecution, or possibly even death, that they can still have inner peace in the face of it. Even more than that, He told them that it is possible you could also “be of good cheer” in those times.

In other words, you do not need to be defeated by events or circumstances, even though there may be anguish and pain involved. God wants His born-again children to be overcomers, and He gives them the grace and power to do so. Faith in His promises enables victory.

Are you utilizing His grace and power now so that – at the end of the day – you are an overcomer? If you need to, why not admit your weakness and ask Him for help right now?