1) When hitting the very bottom is your reality. When you’re barely holding on to the very last thread, or maybe you’ve already let go. When you have absolutely nothing left to go on and you’re at the uttermost end of yourself. When everything seems lost. This is where hope enters. This is poor in spirit. When we have finally laid aside every defense possible, because there is nothing left, and we are left utterly destitute of our own abilities. THIS is when the Almighty God whispers, “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.” Only when we lose our grip on all things, most of all our control, are we in a position to look up and see the face of God welcoming us with outstretched arms. It is in the giving of our poor spirits, in the desperate poverty of ourselves, that we find the richest abundance available within the very heart of a God who loves to love us. Where are you ready to surrender in poverty and weakness so you can welcome His strength and fullness?

2) Lori shared on Wednesday, “Weeping, by no means removes our grief, but at least for me, it allows a necessary purging of bottled up emotion.” Perhaps weeping doesn’t release your deep grief, but it’s important to identify what is a good release for you. Maybe it’s a good work out, a good cry in the closet, an afternoon walk outside in nature, or time spent talking with good friends. Whatever it is, take a few minutes to consider how you handle grief, and how you can intentionally allow space in that process to welcome the comfort of Christ in the midst of your pain. Grieving is important, but equally so, is holding onto truth about God in that grief. Every tear that falls is held by Him. Every broken heart is known by Him. Those who weep, will be blessed because the Father will bring His comfort!

3) We hear “meek”, and generally, we immediately think, “weak”. Merry reminds us that “meek” is neither weak nor passive; it’s not a doormat. Jesus used “meek” because it is defined by an intentional choice to lovingly, gently defer in order to esteem and value another. As you roll around with this definition, letting it settle into your mind, think of specific instances when someone displayed meekness in their interaction with you. Maybe it was a spouse, a good friend, or even a stranger you observed in a public setting. How did their humble strength make you feel? Were you encouraged to also live with meekness characterizing your interactions? Think of your upcoming week, pray over it, and ask the Lord to show you how you can live with the strength of meekness!