Boy, I’m telling you. There are seasons and then there are seasons. As of late, I feel like I’ve been living in a coffee grinder. I’m ground up, but refined. I’ve had to look at myself in a new light. I found things inside of me that I didn’t know existed. They were mostly lies. I had a great fear of loss. I didn’t know that I thought myself unworthy of God’s provision.  I also found that I had difficulty accepting honor from others. But, I believe the biggest one was, “Who would want to listen to me.” Seriously, you can’t travel, teach, and speak when you are continually tripping over these issues. Yet, God kept nudging me forward.

In the process of searching my heart. I found that two sections of scripture had become extremely meaningful. The first is the Beatitudes, chapter 5 of Matthew. The second, Psalm 36, verses  5 through 9. I going to tell you about the most meaningful verses and leave the rest alone for now.

The Beatitudes (CSB)

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

Have you ever felt that? Dear God, “There is nothing left of me!   I am nothing, and I have nothing to offer.” Then it dawns on you that through Him, you have so much more. Your inheritance “is” the kingdom of heaven. In and of God, you have exceedingly more than enough to live in the kingdom of heaven here on earth and do His will.

4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Have you had a dear loved one die? Have you lost realms and reams of friends because of the path God has directed you to walk? What about a near-death experience? There’s nothing like being told you were dying. Oh, let’s not forget bankruptcy. Financial trouble because you lost your job or your mate left you is such a stressful experience. The only place to turn is to God. Only he can truly help.

Recently, I  spent the evening crying and singing worship songs? I knew it was okay to mourn. I knew joy would come in the morning. However, for that moment it was all I could do to just grieve.  And… joy did come in the morning!

5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

I have lost count the number for times I’ve cried out to Him. I  just wanted to see His face and know Him. I’d call that to hunger and thirst. Wouldn’t you? Did you know that righteousness, in this case,  means to be just like Jesus? God says He sees the end from the beginning. He sees us as whole and complete. That means we are already just like him. As we accept the truth, and our faith grows, the manifestation of Christ in our lives will become obvious.

7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

Recently, I stood my ground on some issues. I held someone accountable for their actions. I told them they needed to repent. Remember, that repenting is a change of mind which brings about a change of ways or actions.  Consequently, I was pronounced bitter and unforgiving. That’s a very mild form of persecution. What would happen if another religion or government told you that you had to renounce your faith? Wowsers! I think it would take the grace of God to live through that. But, the end result is that the kingdom of heaven is yours. I think the more we ascend and spend time in the kingdom of God that it will become an increasing reality to us.

Psalm 36 is the cap to my blog today. It’s all about His love for us. He is our refuge in intimacy. We are safely nestled next to His body under his wing. When we stay in His love, we see His provision from His house and His wellspring. What a picture of love that is me.

Take a moment to meditate on this passage. It will comfort you and encourage you. Especially if life has some challenges right now.

Psalm 36 (CSB)

5 Lord, your faithful love reaches to heaven, your faithfulness to the clouds.

6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your judgments like the deepest sea.

Lord, you preserve people and animals.

7 How priceless your faithful love is, God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

8 They are filled from the abundance of your house. You let them drink from Your refreshing stream.

9 For the wellspring of life is with you. By means of your light, we see light.

See you in His light,

Anna