Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:3 KJV)
Jesus begins His beatitudes on the mount with the words “blessed are the poor in spirit.” He goes further to give us the reason why the poor in spirit are blessed —the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. The kingdom of heaven refers to the exercise of God’s sovereign power to rule and dominate in life. Jesus says this privilege belongs to those who are poor in spirit.
The poor in spirit are those who recognize their need for God. The two key words in this description are “recognize” and “need for God.” The poor in spirit is not the same as the needy. Some needy people are not poor in spirit. A person may be needy but does not recognize their need. A sinner, for example, is desperately in need of God for forgiveness but there are many out there who are sinners but do not realize that they need God to help them. In fact, they do not see how God fits in the puzzle of their lives. This is one of the most dangerous places to be in, where we fail to realize how we need God and think we are self-sufficient on our own.
The poor in spirit recognize their need for God. They depend entirely on Him. They realize God is and has what they need, and they seek Him to meet their needs. This heart attitude, of recognizing your need for God and depending on Him entirely is your ticket to reigning in life.
MEDITATE
What does God do to those who are poor in spirit and those who are “rich in spirit”?( Isa. 57:15). Declare that “I recognize my need for God. I am poor in spirit. I have a humble spirit before God”.
APPLY THE WORD
Are you poor in spirit? Do you honestly see that you need God? Do you seek God for direction or strength before making moves in your life? That might be an accurate gauge to tell you how dependent you are on God or yourself.
PRAY
Ask the Spirit of the LORD to help you maintain a humble and lowly heart before God at all times.
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