When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,…
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:1-10
It seems that life has more stresses that ever. People are busy, stuck in traffic, worried about money, jobs, broken relationships, and health problems. As a result, mental health is suffering, suicide is on the rise, and joy is the exception, not the norm. Jesus addressed a crowd of people and shared the secret to sublime happiness, he called it the blessed life. Psychologists have looked at what he said and agree, Jesus’ declarations are sound advice for all of us. They point the way from being stressed to blessed!
Psychologist Sheridan Voysey writes in his book “Resilient” that the beatitudes (recorded in the gospel of Matthew, chapter 5) are… quote… “essentially a guidebook to living a life of resilience: a life strong enough to withstand the storms that come our way.” He goes on to say… “Jesus beat the psychologists to their discoveries by two millennia”.
Have I discovered that the blessings of God are related to my spiritual development and my relationship to Him?
God, as this day begins I am blessed to be part of two families who are grieving today the loss of their loved ones, yet they are celebrating the gift those people are to them. May they experience blessedness because You are with them and that we have a hope beyond this world. As I consider the difficulties and challenges I am facing, I invite You to meet my deepest needs through Your power and provision. I thank you that I don’t walk through this life alone- Oh, You’ve given me the most wonderful partner and wife, children, brothers, mom and dad and faithful friends. Would you show Your mercy and grace to my mom… give her strength, energy, and an appetite.
