Matthew 5:3 (NLT)
God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
With my distorted mind, I used to think I was alone. Alone in my search for significance. Alone in my emptiness and depression. Alone in my desire for truth, inner peace, or meaning. Alone in my conflicting emotions, suicidal tendencies, and disillusionment with GOD. Alone in the human condition. Alone in my depraved, sinful heart. Alone in desperation…
Over the course of the last decade though, I’ve discovered I’m not alone. And furthermore, that desperation is quite possibly the most profound thought to grace our minds. Why? Because as the New Living Translation begins, “Blessed are those who recognize their need for GOD” and the Message paraphrase end, “…with less of us, there is more of GOD.”
Allow me a story to punctuate the thought:
There was once a young man who approached renowned teacher Siddharthama Gattama (better known as the Buddha). He desired to know the way to life and deliverance. The Buddha led him down to a river, where the young man assumed he’d be “purified.” As they waded into the water, however, his dream transformed into a nightmare. The Buddha snatched his head, dunked it under the water, and refused to allow him to surface. Finally, as the young man flailed pitifully, the Buddha released his grip, permitting him to gasp for air.
The Buddha then quipped, “When you thought you were drowning, what did you desire most?”
“Air,” the young man sputtered.
To which the Buddha replied, “When you want salvation as much as you wanted air, you’ll find it.”
Allow me to borrow (and edit) the final line. “When you become as desperate for the mind of Christ as much as you’re desperate for air, you’ll be gifted with it.”
Be desperate…
Application: Check your desperation level. Do you long for GOD as much as your body longs for air?
Mindful Meditation: Review your life. Look at where you used to be compared to where GOD has brought you. Make sure you say thank you.
