Jeremiah 17:7–8 But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

This passage comes immediately after a graphic description of a life that is cursed. A cursed life is a life of futility and frustration. In contrast a life that is blessed of God is uplifting and positive. It is not without challenges, the difference is that faith in God moves us away from depending on ourselves and others and helps us to understand that the God who created the universe cares about us.

Our trust in God allows us to look beyond the negative occurrences in life, so that we can be overcomers. Not only that, the Word says we will be like trees planted by the water. We will be well-grounded and fruitful.  That means not only will we be satisfied but our fullness will overflow to others.

Scripture is filled with pronouncements about being blessed, not just for individuals but for nations, for example: God first blessed man when he said: “Be fruitful and increase in number ….” (Genesis 1:22). He promised Abraham: “… and through your offspring all the nations of the earth will be blessed because you have obeyed me.” (Genesis 22:18). This blessing is Jesus and through him salvation is available to all who will believe in his name. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” (Psalm 33:12). Jesus also gave a long list of the people he considered blessed. (Matthew 5: 3-11). “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12). “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” (Revelation 1:3). Finally “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.” (Revelation 22:14).

It seems fair to conclude that we do get to have some say in whether we are blessed or not by taking heed to these exhortations and many more in the Bible.