Who are the “poor in spirit”? I picture that night of food poisoning during which I puked on and off throughout the night. At one point after throwing up, I began to see spots—I suspect dehydration—and sunk to the floor. I curled up on the cold tile, or otherwise risked passing out.
This picture of feeling poor is quite different from Jesus’ definition in the Beatitudes. In Matthew 5:3, the poor in spirit are those who recognize their dependency on God to pursue righteousness in a world where many emphasize self-dependency. Moreover, their dependency fills them with the Holy Spirit and gives them a relationship with God.
Our acceptance of our dependence on God puts us in position to experience God’s blessings. He gives us strength in our weakness, as he did for Gideon (Judges 6–7). He promises to guard the hearts and minds of those who rejoice, as he did for Paul (see Colossians 1:24). Best of all, when we depend on him, he gives us living water to hydrate our soul.
With the Holy Spirit satisfying our thirst, we will not wilt under the pressures that life throws at us. Our Father, our Creator, cares so much for his people he “upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down” (Psalm 145:14). Therefore, we can come before him and submit completely to his Word, knowing he’ll stand alongside us in all of our trials.
Father, I am blessed to serve a God who prioritizes his people’s needs. Thank you for upholding me when I fall and lifting me up when I’m bowed down. May I remember your blessings in life’s most challenging moments.
Throughout this day: When tempted to rely on yourself, start a conversation with God. In your prayer, give over your temptation to be self-reliant.
Photo Credit: Cdoncel