In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells us how to be blessed. He describes the attitudes that define the blessed life. We often equate our blessings with our happiness, and our happiness with external circumstances. Jesus makes it clear that a blessed life isn’t dependent on external circumstances, it comes from within. When our internal attitudes line up with God’s design, we are blessed and we find happiness. Solomon possessed more wealth and power than any person could ever hope to have, yet he spent a great deal of time searching for happiness. He could afford anything he wanted; he denied himself nothing. Yet, he writes, “All is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” (Ec 2:17) If Solomon didn’t find happiness with all the worldly wealth and power he possessed, how can we hope to find it? Jesus challenges the prevailing thought of being blessed and happy. Neither depends on circumstances, but rather on the right attitude, the internal outlook—what’s happening within.

Scripture – Ec 2:1, 17; Mt 5:3; Ph 2:3-4, 4:13; Js 4:6

Verses
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt 5:3) Don’t act out of selfish ambition or be conceited. Instead, humbly think of others as being better than yourselves. Don’t be concerned only about your own interests, but also be concerned about the interests of others. (Ph 2:3-4) As the Scripture says, God gives strength to the humble but sets himself against the proud and haughty. (Js 4:6)

Thought
The first beatitude says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Being poor in spirit sounds like it would be bad for your self-image. However, being poor in spirit doesn’t mean being down on yourself, thinking you are a loser or without value. On the contrary, God makes it clear that we are highly valued, of great worth. He sent His son to die for our sins, what more could He do to let us know that we matter. Being poor in spirit has to do with humility. When you are humble, you recognize your need for God. The arrogant attempt to control their life and their circumstances. Realizing that you cannot control much of life and that you need God brings you to a point where the blessed life is possible. Humility has many benefits. It reduces stress. When you give God control it takes the pressure off. You don’t have to bear the burden of control. Humility also blesses our relationships. This doesn’t mean you think less of yourself, it just means that you think more of others. When you think more of others, they think more of you. Humility gives you more opportunities to share God’s love. Humility also releases God’s power in your life. When you don’t have the strength, God does. When you can’t, God can. When we walk humbly with God he picks up the slack.

Response
Pray. Choose an area where you are frustrated and consider how your arrogance or desire to control might be the problem. Turn this over to God, a step at a time if necessary. Journal your progress.

Questions
In what area do you need to practice humility? In what area do you need to depend on God more? In what area do you need God’s power in your life? What are you trying to control that is causing you frustration? Are you willing to turn it over to God? What steps do you need to take to begin that process?

Prayer
Dear Lord, show me the areas of my life where I need to let go and let you take control. I know that I can’t do it on my own, yet I too often try. Help me to lean on you and allow your spirit to control my heart, thoughts, words and deeds. Allow me to lose myself in You, so that your strength can be released in my life. in Jesus Name I pray, Amen.