This is tough. None of us want to feel bad. None of us want to experience bad things. It sucks. Still, bad things do happen. So how can we be blessed when things are bad?
That’s what my message was today as I broadcast live on Cyber.FM The Cross and around the world for my faith-based radio show turned podcast, “Invite God In.” I covered the beatitudes offered to us by Jesus in his Sermon on the Mount and offered my personal experiences to bring things into a more human perspective so that we can find God (and let’s face it more importantly because we so need hope sometimes) how we can actually be blessed when things are bad. Listen or watch below.
↓ Watch the episode ↓
If you are experiencing hardship right now, you are not alone. God is always with us. A great way to experience God in times of deep uncertainty is to pray. You can learn about ways to pray here. Just take a listen. Would you like me to pray with you? Send me a message here. I also have a book that is comprised of prayers said in the first person so you can read and Invite God In. To check out my book, “Invite God In” click here.
And now for what the beatitudes say. This is from Mark Chapter 5 verses 1-12 in the Message translation.
5 1-2 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:
3 “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
4 “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.
5 “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.
6 “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.
7 “You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.
8 “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
9 “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.
10 “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.
11-12 “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. Talk about ways to pray and when.
Remember, for the commentary and personal reflections shared on these passages, you can listen or watch the episode. God bless you.
