Lenten Photo Challenge Day 16 - Blessing

Children, pets, jobs, weather conditions are often referred to as blessings. For today's word - blessing. - I checked the dictionary to see what a generic definition would be. I found - 1) a special favor, mercy, or benefit; 2) a favor or gift bestowed by God, thereby bringing happiness; 3) praise; devotion; worship, especially grace said before a meal. Which definition would you consider to be the best one?

Matthew 5:3-12 is know as the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus spoke the Beatitudes:

3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.  12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

These verses show how the second definition is for us. God blesses His people when we feeli discouraged or simply down. He blesses us when we feel happy or like celebrating. Turn to Him and the Bible for these comforting words.