A Man of Sorrow

What a treat we had today- gathering as believers – rejoicing that He is Risen!

We read Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.

Our pastor spoke of being heavy of heart  - downcast days.  Really rather rare in my experience to find a pastor that will validate depression as an actual feeling – brought on by nothing but just merely waking for the day.

He brought us to Isaiah 53:3 – where we are told that Jesus was A Man of Sorrow.

He spoke from his heart, shared his struggles, and gave us hope of being Blessed  - Happy – in the Lord.

We came to Luke 24:50-53

And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. ⁵¹ Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. ⁵² And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, ⁵³ and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God.

Which of course got me pondering -

I’ve had a few email exchanges this week – about whether to talk more ore less about our grief and sorrow.  On a day to day basis, I really have more joy and contentment than sorrow. However, when I think of my far away friends, of opportunities missed or lost, of false accusations, of my own shortcomings, of friends turning their back on God – I feel Grief.

Some days – especially on hormonal swing days – I can get anxious for no apparent reason. Or feel floods of the blahs and feeling totally out of control, helpless.  I realize that “the poor in Spirit” are those without Christ  who realize they need Christ – But today – I feel like He is speaking to me – one With Christ – Who needs Him More.  Blessed are the Poor In Spirit -

Again – I have more pondering in my mind than I can make my fingers explain –

I have been working on the affirmation junkie addiction – pulling back from facebook, not tagging my pages as much, knowing that it will slow down traffic, feeling content when I don’t get comments – and continue to keep the goal in front of me that I am writing for my own family, for my boys, For a school memory book.

However, there is a blessing and a joy – to continuously gather in the temple, praising God.

I am by no means calling Facebook the temple, but I do see a gathering of friends there – with people spurring each other on to better days, healthier living, fellowship with Christ, drawing those closer to their friends nearby together more often.

I am thankful that the Lord has seen fit to give us some Christian friends in town, and a place to fellowship – to find ways for the Lord to give us Blessing – and for us to Bless the Lord.

He understands our Sorrow – and He gives us Joy.

Keep Seeking Him!