Finding God In My Pain

 GOD IN MY PAIN

Let’s think about attitudes.  An attitude is a way of thinking about something that is reflected in how we feel or speak or act.  Too often when we think about someone who “has an attitude” it’s because something is difficult or challenging. 

What kind of an attitude should a person living with God be known for?  Early in His teaching ministry Jesus touched on this.  You may have heard of the “Be-attitudes” sayings from Jesus’ most famous sermon, “The Sermon on the Mount.” 

For the next few days we’ll look at what kind of attitudes we should be known for.  Today’s focus:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Matthew 5:3

“Poor in spirit”  Sounds a bit morose to me rather than something we should we working towards.  What does it mean?  What is Jesus calling us to?

To be “poor in spirit” means that we come to an honest understanding of who we are without God in our life.  We recognize that we are powerless to do life on our own.  We no longer deny what we have done in the past, but humbly admit the exact nature of our wrongs to God and ask for His forgiveness. 

We choose to turn our will and life over to the care of God and wholeheartedly follow Him, trusting that He will provide the strength we need to seek Him in all our ways. 

Here’s what we have to consider. Jesus tells us that being in the right place with Him is not about having lots of money and possession.  It’s about what is going on in our hearts.

For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.

Revelation 3:17

To be poor in spirit means that we recognize that we have things to learn and we come to God to be taught.

Jesus said: Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Matthew 11:29

When we are “poor in spirit” we will humbly live in the grace and favour of God.  We will be thankful for all that God has done for us.  When we fail, we will not be fearful, but will come to Him, confess our sins, and receive forgiveness, knowing that God is slow to anger and rich in love. 

God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.

James 4:6

Heavenly Father, We know that we are truly “poor in spirit” when we admit that  any weakness that we think is in You is still far stronger than any human strength we might have.   We know we are “poor in spirit” when we remember that every breath comes from You and live gratefully in each moment.  We know we are “poor in spirit” when every moment of every day we rely on Your great goodness.

And so once again today, we acknowledge that without You we can do nothing.  We desire to be poor in spirit so that we can be rich in Your unfailing love for us. Amen  

Attitude #1:  Be poor in spirit.  Let’s embrace that today and get ready for what God will show us tomorrow.