What Even is “Poor in Spirit?” | Matthew 5:3
September 16, 2023
What does “Blessed are the poor in spirit” really mean?
Is it just me or are we all hanging on by a thread? For the most part I think of myself as Mary (not Mayor) Giuliani says, delusionally optimistic. I mean I know it’s not all sunshine and rainbows all the time, but I genuinely believe that things work out. Eventually.
But things seem frantic, don’t they? Trains derailing, wild weather, banks collapsing, sickness of all kinds, carjackings, shootings, wars. Now I’m depressed. Complete nutty times. Oh my gosh, is this Hunger Games?
I just recorded an episode for Bible Talk on Psalm 3. It is a lament of David. It is a great reminder for me today, as I have indeed been lamenting at my desk. Lamenting can feel cathartic. A good ol lament can really open you up to letting go and assessing what is true and what is just down in the dumps feeling sorry for yourself.
I know that the horrific, sensational is better at grabbing headlines and drawing you in. Clickbait, as they say. The polar ice caps are melting! Honeybees are declining! Volcanoes are erupting! Prince Harry is unhappy! Free Britney! Trump is running again!
YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Deep breath.
In through your nose, out through your mouth.
Quick, someone find a reel of a dog doing something cute.
Deep sigh.
“Don’t worry about a thing. Cause every little thing is gonna be alright.”
It is no wonder that humanity feels desperate and is grasping at straws to find the thing that will make it all better or at least numb the pain. It’s why we spend so much time scrolling. It’s why addiction is rampant. It’s why so many feel suicide is the only escape from the overwhelm.
See, we all need a good lament. We need a minute where we just rail against the heavens. You must have forgotten about us! Are you not aware of the state of things? I can’t do all the things! Filters are not enough to correct the dark circles and burdens I feel. Where are you God? All the appliances are broken. The car won’t start. My tires are flat. Classes are being failed. Assignments are missing. Dinner burned. The trash was not taken to the curb. My head hurts. The dog is digging holes and peed on the curtains. I am too much. I am not enough. My clothes are too tight!! Why did you make me this way?
Better?
Better.
“But you are a shield around me, O Lord; You bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the Lord I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill.”
Bible Talk: Psalm 3
Check out the Bible Talk: Psalm 3 episode on the Bible Talk podcast! Bible Talk is a weekly podcast delivering a fun, but educational dive into God’s Word. Be sure to subscribe to catch future episodes too.
