Listen

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up a mountain. He sat down and his disciples came to him. He taught them, saying:

“Happy are people who are hopeless, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

“Happy are people who grieve, because they will be made glad.

“Happy are people who are humble, because they will inherit the earth.”

Matthew 5:1-5

Think

When Jesus begins his most famous set of teachings, the Sermon on the Mount, he begins with a series of statements often referred to as “the Beatitudes.” Despite beginning with declarations of happiness, these sayings shock us by connecting happiness with experiences that we would rather avoid – hopelessness, grief, and humility.

Throughout history, Christians have often referred to these undesirable circumstances as moments of desolation – when our spirits and our lives are feeling particularly empty. But Christians have also recognized that it is precisely in these moments when God delivers consolation – an unexpected gift of grace that transforms these negative experiences into positive makeovers.

And in this sense, these words of Jesus become not only blessings, but invitations to experience a more deeply fulfilling life, even in the midst of adversities we may not have chosen for ourselves.

According to the Psalmist, such a life of trust in God is what enables us to be “truly happy” (Ps. 84:12).

Dave McNeely

Pray

God, I thank you that you do not reserve happiness for only the easy experiences in my life, but can transform even the most difficult circumstances I face into opportunities for blessing.

Help me to continually trust in you, no matter how empty my spirit feels.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Go

May God meet you in the margins
And find you in the cracks.
May God bless you in the wanting
And in everything you lack.
May God fill the empty spaces
And become your all in all.
May God lead you to the places
Where you’re the answer to God’s call.