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The daily verse on my phone stirred me…and it wasn’t to good works. Rather to bitterness and confusion.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3
I had been headed down into another valley in life and {I confess} was feeling more than a bit sorry for myself. {Tell me that you have too!} I was tired of bearing my cross preferring some light-hearted sort of amusement. Surely God did not intend for me to be poor in spirit until eternity?
No, He doesn’t. But some days it sure feels that way!
Upon further prayer and contemplation, I realized that again the lesson is mine to be learned; not his or theirs. Nope – mine. However, this time it was not so much to cure me of a bad habit, attitude or other vice, but to draw me deeper into communion with my heavenly Father. To anchor my hopes and expectations more firmly in Him and Him alone.
To know God only as a philosopher; to have the most sublime and curious speculations concerning His essence, His attributes, His providence, will avail us nothing, unless at the same time we know Him experimentally; unless the heart perceive and know Him to be her supreme good, her only happiness, unless the soul feel and acknowledge that she can have no repose, no peace, no joy but in loving and being loved by Him. Susanna Wesley
Having been following the Lord for more than 15 years, it was time for me to grow – again.
Had I cared to take my eyes off of myself and my situation, I might have noticed that it was the Lord refining me – heating the crucible {again} to release the build up of dross, to clear away the distractions that keep me from my powerful, transforming time in prayer and fellowship with Him.
Where does my dissatisfaction come from? Probably the same place I am always telling my kids that their arguments come from – pride. Why is it so difficult to trust when we are uncomfortable?
How do you become so completely satisfied by God that your joy is truly complete - all day, everyday? Is it attainable in this skin? When daily circumstances bring disappointment and stir the flesh to cry out?
Paul wrote the book of Philippians from a Roman prison and he wrote about joy. Not pain, mistreatment or any other suffering {of which there was surely an abundance}. He wrote of joy – not happiness, comfort or personal goals being met.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4
If I am not doing this, rejoicing always, am I ultimately resting and finding peace in my hopes here on earth? However reasonable they may seem to be with my human reasoning?
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…Proverbs 3
Think? Reason? Yes.
Try to understand? Yes.
Lean, depend on my understanding? No.
As I lean on the promises of God, the focus of my hopes turns from those of the world to those of eternity.
No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame. Psalm 25:3
Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:5
Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:5
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
Then this,
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12
This I can relate to. Putting my hopes in the Lord {who is faithful} brings joy. Paul understood this. Even though the idea defies human reasoning. The man was in jail after all! Paul chose joy.
Blessed are the poor in spirit? I understand. Looking towards the kingdom of heaven makes one blessed – even the poor in spirit.
We need winds and tempests to exercise our faith, to tear off the rotten bough of self-dependence, and to root us more firmly in Christ. - Charles Spurgeon
Has God been refining you? What is He showing you? If you would like to share, leave a comment in the reply section below.
Blessings to you today!
Marianne
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I know I dont have to be rich, but I understand the struggle of feeling like we have hit the minimum, my minimum. But that may be over God’s maximum! Like too many calories that I want to eat, God pulls the plate from under my nose!
Wonderful post.
What a wonderfully Scripture filled post! I do feel that way at times, and this is just perfect for that. Thank you.
Being human sure can create problems – my flesh is so weak at times to be sure. I think that is why the Lord wanted me to study and learn and become content in all things. And yes, I’ve had a few pity parties in my day – ouch!
Great post and you have a wonderful day
Always growing, aren’t we? No matter how long we’ve been walking with Him, there’s always — as you say — “time for me to grow – again.” The growing isn’t always fun, and sometimes it hurts … but in the end, it’s always fruitful. I’m in a constant state of change and growth. So grateful for His grace along the way. God bless you as you continue to grow in grace and love. You’re a blessing …
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