The Beatitudes are one of my very favorite readings in the Bible, especially if I’m feeling a little blah or down. It reminds me that everything I do…all of the successes and failures, trials and triumphs, fears and frustrations…all of my efforts, whether they fall on the mark or fall short…will all be worth it if I trust in the Lord and know that He has a perfect plan, and as long as I do my best each day I can rest assured I will be rewarded in the end (and maybe at times even here and now!) It’s probably no surprise that it seems that I always cry in church when songs with parts of the Beatitudes are sung…songs like “Blest Are They,” “Lead Me Lord,” and “Be Not Afraid.”
In fact I quote the Beatitudes in my novel, The Peacemaker, a contemporary suspense/romance novel based on the story of David and Abigail in the Bible’s First Book of Samuel because it was so fitting to my character, Chessa Richards, who was a contemporary version of Abigail, the all time “peace maker” who was rewarded in the end for her efforts and hard-won victory. It’s interesting that the Gospel writers Luke and Matthew wrote different versions (Luke wrote “Blessed are the poor” and Matthew added “…in spirit.” I always wondered what Matthew meant by that. On its face it doesn’t seem like we should be blessed if we are “poor” or lacking in spirit, but I think what he probably meant was those who are humble and teachable, who go through a lot of pain and suffering or who sometimes fall short but hold onto their faith – like Job, for example. (the subject of my other novel, The Faithful One!) Just writing this blog, knowing that despite my failings, frustrations and hardships, I am called by God to a purpose of writing modern-day books based on Bible stories, makes my heart rejoice and makes me feel blessed! And so I believe we are all blessed and need to remain humble, teachable and most of all grateful.
But instead of writing any more, I’d just like to repeat these beautiful words for you to meditate on as a Monday pick me up…
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”
(Matt 5:1-12)
Feel better? I do – and hope and pray you do too!
Amen.
Hey Andrew, thanks so much for reading and responding…Wishing you many blessings throughout the rest of the week!
You’re welcome, and thank you. Same to you!
Feeling better as I am reading this post. Thank you. 🙂 I needed this today.
Glad to hear…Mondays can be rough sometimes – I felt like I was having an “emotional hangover” but just felt better reading and writing my blog post – and then getting this comment from you so thank you! Wishing you many blessings throughout the rest of the week!