Day 19 — Upside-Down Happiness

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”

— Matthew 5:3–9 (BSB)

One day, Jesus went up on a mountainside, sat down and began to teach. This teaching is called the Sermon on the Mount, and it’s probably the most famous sermon ever preached. He started with a list of people He called “blessed.” Blessed means truly happy, deep down, because God is with you and for you.

But Jesus’ list is surprising. If you asked most people who’s happy, they’d say: the rich, the popular, the strong, the winners. Jesus turned all of that upside down.

Let’s look at a few:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit.” That means people who know they need God. They don’t pretend to have it all together. They know they can’t save themselves.

“Blessed are those who mourn.” People who are sad, especially sad about sin and the brokenness in the world. God promises to comfort them.

“Blessed are the meek.” Meek doesn’t mean weak. It means strength under control: gentle, humble and not pushy.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.” People who want to do what’s right as badly as a starving person wants food.

“Blessed are the merciful.” People who forgive and show kindness, even when someone doesn’t deserve it.

“Blessed are the pure in heart.” People whose hearts are clean and who love God with no pretending.

“Blessed are the peacemakers.” People who help others get along and who try to end fights instead of starting them.

The world says, “Push to the front. Look out for yourself. Win at all costs.” Jesus says the truly happy life looks very different. It looks like Him. Every one of these describes Jesus perfectly.

You can’t make yourself like this by trying really hard. But when you follow Jesus, His Spirit starts to grow these things in you.

Think about it: Which one of these “blessed” descriptions is hardest for you? Which one would you most like God to grow in you?

Try this: Be a peacemaker today. If you see an argument starting, at home or at school, try to help calm it down instead of taking sides.

Dear Jesus, Your ways are so different from the world’s ways. Help me be poor in spirit, meek, merciful, pure in heart and a peacemaker. Make me hungry to do what is right. Grow Your kind of happiness in me. In Your name, Amen.