Good morning…
Though our eyes have never met, our souls are shaped similarly. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, she sent me a quote from Jacksonville, Florida. She could not have known that, just minutes before, the class in my living room had read aloud the following quote from our book for the semester.
“It is relatively easy to meet God in moments of joy and bliss. In these situations we correctly count ourselves blessed by God. The challenge is to believe that this is also true – and to know God’s presence – in the midst of doubt, depression, anxiety, conflict or failure. But the God who is Immanuel (which means ‘God with us’) is equally in those moments we would never choose as in those we would always gladly choose.” (p. 41, David Benner’s The Gift of Being Yourself: The Sacred Call to Self-Discovery)
As God’s exclamation point, her quote appeared in my inbox.
“We must accept the circumstances we constantly find ourselves in as the place of God’s kingdom and blessing. God has yet to bless anyone except where they actually are.” (Tish Harrison in Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life)
“Blessed [spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired] are the poor in spirit [those devoid of spiritual arrogance, those who regard themselves as insignificant], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].
“Blessed [forgiven, refreshed by God’s grace] are those who mourn [over their sins and repent], for they will be comforted [when the burden of sin is lifted].
“Blessed [inwardly peaceful, spiritually secure, worthy of respect] are the gentle [the kind-hearted, the sweet-spirited, the self-controlled], for they will inherit the earth.
“Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied.
“Blessed [content, sheltered by God’s promises] are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
“Blessed [anticipating God’s presence, spiritually mature] are the pure in heart [those with integrity, moral courage, and godly character], for they will see God.
“Blessed [spiritually calm with life-joy in God’s favor] are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they will [express His character and] be called the sons of God.
“Blessed [comforted by inner peace and God’s love] are those who are persecuted for doing that which is morally right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever], (Matthew 5:3-10, AMP).
Where we actually are is our own sacred spot of God’s kingdom and blessing.
…Sue…
