God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. Matthew 5:3
Perhaps one of the most significant barriers to growing in our relationships with God is pride. You see, pride keeps us from seeing our own sins and mistakes. We often view our sins as "not so bad" or not bad at all, justifying them. Pride also keeps us from seeing our need for God at all. We assume we can handle our lives on our own, without needing God. Of course, this line of thinking is entirely false. We certainly need God. We need Him every day in every single moment of our lives. When we recognize our need for Him, we can take steps toward peace with God and a restored relationship with Him that sin had destroyed.
During His ministry on earth, Jesus explained the importance of recognizing our need for God. As He was preaching to a crowd one day, He said, “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for Him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs” (verse 3). Those who do not think they need God will spend their lives chasing other things to bring fulfillment and will always come up empty. They will ultimately live unfulfilled, purposeless, and meaningless lives. Conversely, those who humbly recognize that they need God, turning away from their sin and turning to Him, are blessed. Why are they blessed? Those who recognize their need for God are blessed because recognizing that need leads us to turn to Him and place our faith in Him.
We human beings often like our independence. We do not like to need help, let alone ask for help. The truth is, however, we are entirely dependent on God. We need His help, His forgiveness, His restoration, and His guidance every single day. Nothing else will bring satisfaction or fulfillment. We cannot have peace with God or live lives that honor God without Him. Our call today is to turn to Him and recognize our total dependence on Him, the only One who is able to provide salvation for our souls. Turn to Him today, and you will find peace.
Take some time today to acknowledge your deep need for God. Confess that you need His forgiveness, help, and guidance. Confess that you cannot live this life on your own. Your confession is a recognition of your total dependence on Him.
Prayer Prompt: Use this prompt to guide you as you pray.
“God, I cannot live this life on my own. Help me…”
Matthew 5:1-12
1One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, 2 and he began to teach them.
3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. 6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. 7 God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. 9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. 10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
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