“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.
“You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.
“You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.
“You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.
“Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.
Matthew 5: 3-12 (The Message)
“You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
Lord, last week I sat silently in the chapel as the leader slowly read this passage, not once but four times, pausing in-between for its words to sink into my soul.
These familiar words bursting with fresh meaning when read prayerfully from a different version of Your Word.
Lord, Your blessings saturated my being and revolutionize my purpose.
You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
Lord, You start with my heart – my interior spirit – and invite me to align my deepest center with You.
Then I see You, find You in all things.
I can’t do it myself. I need You to mold me, guide me and transform me into who You want me to be.
If my inside world is left to my recourse, my heart’s compass will fail to find You. I am lost when I try by myself.
If my ego strives for accomplishment, control and prestige, I end up tangled and trapped at the end of my rope.
I must decrease; You must increase.
Make me invisible, Lord so only You shine through.
Empty me of everything and anything that blocks me from You.
You are the Beloved, loving Your beloved.
And I rest in Your gentle presence with grateful hands open to receive
Your blessings.