There are many men described as "blessed" in the book of Psalms. Such a man is found in our text. The verse is a blending of God's providence, blessings and grace. Why is the man of our text called "blessed?" There are three reasons set before us by the Psalmist.

First, he has been chosen by God. As a result he is brought into God's divine favor. When a man finds himself there, it is not because of his own goodness or human excellence. He is there because of God's grace. His faith has expressed itself in obedience to God's word, and through that word he has approached God in a reverent, humble and confident manner. When we speak of being "chosen by God," we do not mean God in an arbitrary way selects him above some other man; this is Calvinism's teaching. But when a man makes his choice and in and through Christ (Eph. 1:6; 2:8) to become obedient to God, he is then "chosen of God." The Psalmist was chosen of God in the same way. See how he begins the Psalm by addressing God as the object of his praise and prayer; he has made his move toward God in faith!

Second, he has the perfect dwelling place, with the verse telling us that "he may dwell in thy courts." This is vastly different from the man who refuses to go there! Some even despise the courts of God; they think there is nothing there for them. One's dwelling place, or abode, goes a long ways in making him happy, or blessed! But the man who gladly and happily comes into the courts of God and makes them his dwelling place has spoken volumes. He has said, "my heart is here; I will not be satisfied anywhere else." This was a theme close to the hearts of the Psalmists. David said, "I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (Psa. 23:6). In 26:8 he said, "Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honor dwelleth." He spoke of having desired "one thing" in 27:4, and that was "that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life" (cf. 84:4). How could a man not feel "blessed" when he lives with God?

Third, he enjoys satisfaction. Note again the text: "We shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple." Why is the "goodness of God's house" so satisfying? Because it is suitable to all of man's needs - spiritual life, spiritual health and peace. Everything about God's world speaks of plenitude (Psa. 33:5; 104:24). Everything in that house is free to the man who will come and take it (Psa. 55:1-2). Surely such a man is a satisfied man!

Now back to the first part of our verse - "blessed is the man ..." Survey this man; contrast him with others who have refused to take of the same blessings, even though they are available to all men. But most are slaves of sin. They are the type of men loved by the world. They are people who have left God out of their lives, having no time for him. Then they wonder why they are not happy!

How strongly then we can feel the force of the remark, "blessed is the man who thou choosest ..." Have you been "chosen of God?" When one is chosen of God he will prize the privileges that God gives him. He will be truly thankful for them. Find this blessedness in him. - Bill Moseley