“Happy are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” -Jesus
The beatitudes set the bar for blessing and happiness pretty high, don’t they?
Crave righteousness, be merciful, mourn, be poor in spirit, make peace, embrace persecution for the sake of the Kingdom. It’s not exactly the warmest and fuzziest teaching Jesus ever gave.
Even so, these words in Matthew 5 words run over my raw soul like a soothing salve. Because the truth that this life isn’t supposed to make me happy is the best news I have heard in weeks.
Today our church-wide fast is well underway, and I read these lofty words of Jesus while planted on my sofa, covered in a blanket, as wonder grows in my soul.
My body craves to be filled with rich chocolate cake and a big salad with blue cheese, candied pecans, red onions, and balsamic reduction. My soul craves to be filled with the righteousness of Christ.
The gospel will cut the ties that bind us to worldliness again and again, purifying our hearts until we have seen God for who He really is.
God is a genius with a plan.
His plan doesn’t always look like it makes sense on this side of heaven. A glimpse of His plan burns an image on our sight, like staring straight at the sun.
It’s hard to see the forest for the trees, and it’s equally difficult to see His plan when the days slap you on the face one after another. Even so, I see in this Bible is a simple plan to live beyond what makes me feel happy so that I can be happy by loving God and His people more than I love myself.
Happy is she who believes the gospel is true.
Yes, today, I believe and His promise makes me happy. How about you?
