“Eugene Peterson paraphrases the verse of the Beatitudes commonly translated ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven’ in this way: ‘You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule’ (Matt. 5:3 Message).

Which could be paraphrased for some of us this way:

You’re blessed when you feel out of control, unable to keep your world spinning and your life in order, because then you realize that you never were the one in control to begin with.

You’re blessed when you feel empty and desperate, because then you finally know the One who fills you.

You’re blessed when you feel like giving up, because then you are able to give your life over to the One who can sustain you.

You’re blessed when you don’t have what you think you need, because then you are aware of what is truly a necessity.

You’re blessed when you crave a drink, because then you can be aware of the One whose cup will satiate you.

You’re blessed when people critique you unfairly, because then you can start to listen to the voice that speaks the truth about you.

You’re blessed when hatred fills your heart, because only then do you realize how empty you truly are.”

~ Luke Norsworthy, Befriending Your Monsters