March 21

A New Beatitude

Blessed is the one who does not fall away on account of Me. — Matt 11:6 BSB

Our Lord offered His noble forerunner the blessedness of those who have not seen and yet believe; of those who trust Him even in the face of death; of those who wait for the Lord’s timing, though they cannot understand His ways, but rest in the certainty of His love. This is the beatitude of those who are not offended by the mysteries of God’s dealings with their lives.

This blessedness is available to us as well. There are times when we are overwhelmed by the mysteries of life and the world around us. The world is filled with pain and sorrow, and strong hearts seem crushed under unbearable burdens. Even God’s children often face the greatest trials. The fires are heated seven times for them. They suffer not only from human causes, but it feels as though the heavens are closed to their prayers and tears. The enemy of our souls mocks us with the question, "Where is your God now?"

You and I may have been in this situation before. We have asked, "Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He, in anger, shut up His tender mercies?" We are tempted to stumble, to trip over the mysteries of God’s dealings with us. But it is at these times that we have the opportunity to inherit this new beatitude. If we refuse to humble ourselves under God’s hand—if we question, complain, and resist His will—we miss the door to rich and unshakable happiness. We fumble with the latch, but it does not open. However, if we quiet our souls like a weaned child and move forward with trust, then light will break through from eternity. The peace of God will guard our hearts and minds, and we will enter into the blessedness that our Lord spoke of.

Prayer

Forgive us for our sins, our faithless tears, and our murmuring complaints. Lift us up on the tide of Your love, bringing us into deeper, richer experiences of Your grace. May we know what it means to have Christ in us, the hope of glory. Amen.