Weekly Meditation

Meditation for Sunday, January 30

By Ron White

Matthew 5:1-12 (The Message)
When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:
“You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and God’s rule.
"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. God is food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.
"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.
"You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.
"Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

The world is enraptured with the idea of success. In fact, most broadcast and print news are devoted to “things” material and economic. What have we focused on since 2007? The Great Crash! People have lost jobs and homes, and families have been shattered by the economic crisis that first enveloped the United States and now the entire world. If only we could locate the path to success and get back on it, we’d have peace of mind…wouldn’t we? Ah, therein lies the rub. Peace of mind is not intrinsically connected to our economic well-being even though it may feel like it is.

Jesus gave us a different way of looking at life, a way not tied to our economic state. He said that you’re blessed when you’re “at the end of your rope!” Can you get your mind around that? Feeling stressed? Count your blessing because that is when God is most involved in your situation --- if only you let God in. Lost your home? Your job? Jesus said “You’re blessed when you’ve lost what’s most dear to you.” How is that possible? And then the revolutionary, Jesus, said: “Your blessed when you’re content with just who you are.” Wow, now that is counterintuitive! If you have lost your job, your home, maybe even your life partner, you not only can be content, he says “that is the moment you find yourselves the proud owner of everything that can’t be bought.”

How is any of that possible? Jesus didn’t say you will immediately rejoice the moment that these trials begin. Jesus did not deny that these happenings are trials. What Jesus said is that if we let go of our efforts to be in control of our lives, and if we then admit that God is in control, not us, THEN we will know the peace of mind that comes from the strength of our faith which allows us to accept our circumstances.

How do we reach that point of acceptance? We must develop the habit of giving ourselves constant positive reinforcement even when we don’t feel like doing so. For me, one positive resource which I hope you find equally encouraging is spiritual songs. One of my favorites is the upbeat “Count Your Blessings,” written in 1897 by Johnson Oatman, Jr.. If you aren’t familiar with it, I encourage you to visit this website and play the midi version and to follow along the verses below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efa7U-DGZ5s

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Refrain
Count your blessings, name them one by on,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done! Count your blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,

And you will keep singing as the days go by.

Refrain
When you look at others with their lands and gold,

Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;

Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy

Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

Refrain
So, amid the conflict whether great or small,

Do not be disheartened, God is over all;

Count your many blessings, angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.