“I just can’t get over it!”
Most of us, if not all of us, at one time or another have to deal with experiences in our past or current life that make us stumble in our faith or that cripple us emotionally. It could be something as severe as being physically or sexually abused as a child, or a feeling that our parents didn’t give us the proper attention we needed growing up. Maybe it’s a broken friendship or business plan gone sour, or a disappointment so deep that you can’t get past it. Whatever “it” is, many times these painful experiences can affect us the rest of our lives, preventing us from reaching our greatest potential or eventually destroying us. Trying to “get over it” doesn’t work. We try and fail, and “it” goes round and round in our minds, blocking us from receiving what God intends for us. Thankfully, there is an alternative. God can heal our pain, so we can live productive, God-approved lives.
If you feel powerless to overcome your pain, there is hope. You are about to discover that the Beatitudes are the key to unlocking your spiritual and emotional well-being, so you can “get over” the painful experiences in your life—past and present—and have hope for the future!
The Beatitudes are the eight declarations made by Jesus at the beginning of his Sermon on the Mount, recorded in Matthew 5:3-12. Each one begins with the words, “Blessed are,” and continues with a statement concerning those who live in obedient and joyful unity with God. They are for those who partake in his salvation, and who have entered into his kingdom, not in its fullest sense, but as a foretaste of what’s to come.
The word “blessed” is from the Greek word, “makarios,” which means, happy, well off, or fortunate. Some Bible translations use the term happy, yet happiness most often depends on one’s emotional state—it is temporary. On the other hand, blessed also means favored, which more accurately describes the spiritual harmony of a person who is in relationship with the King of the universe—it is eternal.
God’s children are blessed because we are approved by Him. He has bestowed his favor on us, and given us a place in his kingdom (2 Corinthians 6:2)!
However, because we live in the “already and not yet” of God’s kingdom, the Beatitudes teach us what it means to live here and now, they are concerned with our inner life and attitudes. They teach us how to think and act and how to receive God’s riches in order to become the salt of the earth and lights on a hill. They also tell us what rewards are in store for those who abide by them. The Beatitudes help us realize God’s purpose and plan for our lives!
I confess that before embarking on this study, I had never closely studied the Beatitudes. I think I did what many people do, read them quickly to get to the “real meat” of Jesus’ sermon. What a mistake that is, because unless you understand them, it is impossible to apply the rest of the sermon to your life.
Enjoy your study; you’re about to discover how blessed and favored by God you truly are!
In His loving grip,
S.A. Keith <><
Click
here to order.
If you think this series would be helpful to a
family member, friend or coworker, then please click here to
email them.
Copyright 2006 S.A. Keith - All Rights Reserved
No part of this chapter may be reproduced without written permission.
info@sundayschoolnetwork.com
(S.A. Keith is the President and Founder of
Bible-4-Life.com/SundaySchoolNetwork.com, and has spent the last
nineteen years developing Christian education materials for children and
adults. Ms. Keith has been interviewed several times on the Moody
Radio Primetime America show and by her local Moody radio affiliate,
WRMB of south Florida. She has also been a guest on the Christian
Television Network.)
"God has a purpose and a plan for you.