Blessed are the Poor in Spirit | Tony Evans

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

Today when we hear that someone is blessed, we often think of a comfortable lifestyle, good health, and a successful job. But Jesus said that those who are poor in spirit are blessed.   The New Testament word for poor refers to a beggar who is totally dependent on others for survival. Therefore, to be poor in spirit is to be totally dependent on another for spiritual well-being.

If we turn this around, we realize that the cursed are those who are rich in self-sufficiency. When we can take care of ourselves and control our situations, we’re living in a different kingdom, not the kingdom of heaven.

When God puts you in a situation that you have no power to fix, He’s doing you a favor because He’s making a way for His kingdom to come in. If you find yourself in this place, you’ll know you’re poor in spirit when thanksgiving replaces your complaining.