Happy Are Those That Trust God In All Things

Luke 6:20-23 -  Then he turned to his disciples and said, “What happiness there is for you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours!  What happiness there is for you who are now hungry, for you are going to be satisfied! What happiness there is for you who weep, for the time will come when you shall laugh with joy!  What happiness it is when others hate you and exclude you and insult you and smear your name because you are mine!  When that happens, rejoice! Yes, leap for joy! For you will have a great reward awaiting you in heaven. And you will be in good company—the ancient prophets were treated that way too!

 

Jesus had called all twelve of His disciples and began to teach them the truth of the Kingdom of God. One of the first things he taught them was that suffering is a good thing….for it helps you realize the power of God to make you content and happy in all things.  Dealing with tragedies and sorrows helps you see your need to rely on God…so that your reliance on Him in those times will produce blessings you never saw coming when things were good.

 

I admit that this is also one of the hardest concepts of loving God to accept….perhaps that is why he chose to start early helping the disciples understand it.  While we are in our greatest pain from financial need….or hunger….or sadness….or insult…or persecution…our minds are focused on the pain and suffering we feel.  It is when we call on God….and we allow God to help us be content in our seemingly bad circumstances …that we begin to focus more on God.  That is when we begin to see the purpose and good in what we are going through…that is what helps us get through the storm to the other side to see the rainbow…the blessing that comes from acceptance and obedience to God.

 

Father….thank you for the reminder that all things work to good for those that love you. Thank you for reminding me that happiness comes from accepting my pain in life and letting you use it to help others.  Forgive me for the times that I have sat to long in my pain…and prolonged the happiness that you had planned for me.  Help me to be content on all things and remember your promise that you have only good things planned for my future….so that I always see the hope and love that you gave to me through your son.  Amen.