September 20, 2016

“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.” Matthew 5:4 The Message

When have you heard Jesus whisper blessing into your life? Was it at a low moment? Maybe when you were in the mountains or by the coast? Maybe it was on a trail … or when your grandchild ran into your arms shouting your name? Maybe it was your wife or husband speaking into “that” space that only she or he can speak? Maybe it was with a friend who didn’t offer words .. or answers .. but only presence? It’s hard to feel blessed when “you’ve lost what is most dear to you”. We aren’t accustomed to feeling blessed in those moments. It takes some time .. healing time .. broken time .. to sort out what is really-from-Jesus and what is just passing-through-this-world. Jesus left some words behind 2000 years ago that resonate into today … into your life. He described “blessing”. He paints it as only God incarnate can paint .. human fingertips gently writing upon your heart. He speaks words but it takes grace and time to filter through all the noise so you can hear His voice .. His truth .. and listen to Him .. with unguarded trust. He knows how to wait on you. But He doesn’t stop speaking. He knows what  you are facing today .. the battles .. the struggles .. the doubts .. the anxieties .. and even the silence of not knowing what is next. He isn’t going to compete for your attention. He’s not going to stop speaking into your heart or mind because you are distracted or driven. Nothing can compete against Jesus whispering into your life that you are blessed .. by Him .. with Him .. and in Him. How will you be dressed today .. in Christ .. or something that fades? It only takes a moment …

“Real help comes from God. Your blessing clothes your people.” Psalm 3:8 The Message

Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent to followers of the Hillside Shepherd (kchesterp1@gmail.com)