By Maria Kneas
In light of the news, Matthew 5:3-12 comes to mind.
When we feel overwhelmed and know things are happening that are too big for us to handle, then we are “poor in spirit” (verse 3)
We have lots of reasons for mourning these days (verse 4). I mourn for this nation. And for the children who are being morally corrupted by our public schools. Some schools are pushing homosexuality and transgender on children as early as kindergarten. Plus many public schools have been pushing occultism for years, including teaching children how to cast spells.
“Meek” means “strength under control” (verse 5). This is a gentle lion, as opposed to a helpless mouse.
We are seeing so much shameless lying and twisting and corruption and perversion and depravity that the extent of it and the depth of it is mind boggling. And it just keeps increasing. And, therefore, we are having more and more reasons to “hunger and thirst after righteousness” (verse 6).
As the people around us get stressed out, then we will have more and more reasons to need to be merciful to them (verse 7).
And of course, depending how things go in this nation, we may find ourselves literally being persecuted because of our faith.
Matthew 5:3-12
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Considering the times in which we are living, it would be good to take these verses to heart. And to take God at His Word. Jesus knew what He was talking about, even though we can’t fully see it yet.
(Maria is a Lighthouse Trails author of several books and booklets.)
(Photo from bigstockphoto; used with permission.)
