Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 201 – Matthew 5:3 – Poor In Spirit – Growing As Disciples
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 (NIV)
Spiritual Poverty
Nothing is more certain. Nothing is surer of being true. What is that? Apart from you, I live in spiritual poverty. Apart from you, I am a spiritual pauper. That is a very important discovery. That is a very important acknowledgement. I know that to be true, without a doubt. Why is that? It was the discovery and acknowledgment of my spiritual poverty that led me to you. I did not know why I felt empty. I did not know why I felt no hope and meaning in life. I did not know why I had no purpose and direction in life. I just knew that I was living a bruised and battered and broken life. I was certainly living and walking on a path that led away from you. There is no doubt that I was living a life that was not good and right and pleasing to you. I was weary and worn out. I was desperate for something more or different. I wanted something else. What that was, I did not know. If someone would have told me that I was poor in spirit, they would have received no argument from me. That’s good.
What happened to you? You are asking me that question? Yes, I am. You happened to me. You would not let me go. You rescued me from a life without you. You heard my poverty filled cry. I asked you to show yourself to me. I asked you to come into my life. I asked you to be my Savior and Lord. Not that I get any credit for crying out to you. It was you who drew me to yourself. It was you that made me able to see and acknowledge my spiritual poverty. It was you who forgave my sin and cleansed my unrighteousness. It was you who has enabled me to live in a vibrant and intimate relationship with you. I love you now, because your first loved me. You adopted me into your family and made me your own. Yes, I have done all these things in you and for you. For that, I am thankful beyond words. That is very good.
What do you know now? I know that apart from you, I will always live in spiritual poverty. I know that living in a vibrant and intimate relationship with you will bring your blessings into my life. You will guard and guide me. You will lead and direct me. You will use me to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. You will allow me to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. You will bless my life as I love, follow and serve you. Nothing will ever be better than living my life with and for you. That is true. Thank you, Lord.
Lord, I know that, apart from you, I live in spiritual poverty. I know that I need to come to rely on you for all my spiritual needs. I know that you will revive, refresh, restore and bless my spiritual life as I live in a vibrant and intimate relationship with you. Amen
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