Poor in spirit

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3

Matthew Poole’s Commentary (on Matthew 5:3)

“Happy are they, who, though they be not rich in this world’s goods, yet have a spirit suited to their state and condition, not looking for their consolation here, but, having a poor and low opinion of the world and all that is therein, looking after more excellent riches; and, in order to it, are of broken and contrite spirits for their manifold sins, and cannot entertain any proud opinion of their own righteousness, but flee unto the free grace of God, and the righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ. Not the great, and rich, and proud men of the world are happy, but these are the blessed men; for true happiness lieth not in worldly possessions, but in the favour of God, and a right to the kingdom of heaven, and that these men have, Psalms 34:18, 51:17, Isaiah 66:2”

I was pondering this ‘state’ of being ‘poor in spirit’ and went looking for answers to what this really means. Certainly there are many commentaries on the scriptures, and not all agree with one another. Even the ‘experts’ don’t know how to decipher all the ‘difficult’ sayings of Jesus, and other ‘mysterious’ scriptures. They give their ‘opinions’ off of their vast study and knowledge. There is a wealth in looking at all you can find on a subject, but… it should ALL be brought before the Holy Spirit for His counsel and advice personally to you — and how He wants you to understand and receive the spiritual ‘takeaway’ for your life going forward. This being said — we who are basically ‘rich’ (In comparison the rest of humanity) have difficulty really understanding the weight and struggle of such a life of poverty. Some of us have had our health taken away and begin to understand the extreme fragility life has and the ‘state’ of being ‘poor’ …at least in regards to health.

When faced with overwhelming lack (of all types of stages) — you certainly entertain the thoughts of heaven and the freedom and joy of the promises God gives of that place. I am reminded of those in the ‘heroes of the faith’ chapter in Hebrews 11.

These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11:13-16

Certainly the trials and test of our lives are part of the life on this earth. One of the greatest trials and tests and possibly most dangerous can be one of prosperity and wealth. For the ‘love of money’ is the root of evil for many, many people. (1 Timothy 6:10) And even those with little can still have a love for money. But those that have learned to rely on Him find the true riches. 

Paul expresses that sentiment this way..

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. Philippians 4:11-12

What is that secret Paul is alluding to? It is found in the next verse.
 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Paul lived his life THROUGH Jesus. The ‘key’ was doing as Jesus instructed him to do through the indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit. Christ was not a talisman, or the ‘magic’ word, that Paul used to get what he wanted. Paul did what Jesus WANTED.

And how do we know for certain and specifically what Jesus wants… personally through our lives? This MUST come from the Holy Spirit directly to you. A Rhema Word spoken to your ‘heart’ (inner soul / spirit). This requires us to recognize it when it is delivered to us. This ‘delivery’ method is the same for our ‘faith’ which is divinely implanted by God Himself. We are given a ‘measure of faith’ (Romans 12:3). This ‘faith’ is NOT a human type of ‘hope’. We don’t gin up the God type of ‘hope’. Nether do we create more ‘faith’ within us. We may create opportunities by our obedience to Him for God to instill more ‘faith’ within us — BUT it is still His doing — of implanting real faith within us.  

What is the secret or ‘key’ to ALL of this? Relationship with the Holy Spirit. Communication with Him …learned, tested, and tried — over a long period of time. It is a discipline like being a parent that takes lots of quantities of time of interaction.

So how much time is He wanting to have with you? Are you seeking the ‘true riches’? Or are you too busy with your own ‘riches’ to spend time with Him? Is your life and time being taken up by all the other things you find important?