Davids Daily Dose

When Down Means Up

Chris Thelen, from the 140 Character Christian got my attention recently with his post What Does Being Poor in Spirit Get You?

My blogger friend pondered why Jesus started his Sermon on the Mount with this:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus- Matthew 5:3 (NIV)

If I had been there that day, listening to Jesus, I probably would’ve scratched my head in disbelief.

Come on, Good Teacher! Tell us we’re much more powerful than we believe. Be our king and kick the Romans out of Palestine.

Regular Me (David)

Yet, over two millennia later, it makes sense—well, God sense.

When we feel like we’re at the end of the road (metaphorically), there’s more room for God in our lives—if (and it’s a big if) we let Him rule.

In my comment to Chris, I confessed that I’d recently gone through two days of being poor in spirit, where I struggled to let God do anything.

My wife and I traveled several states away to visit our oldest son, and things didn’t go as planned.

So, I moped around our hotel suite (free upgrade) and treated myself to an expense steak dinner at a fancy restaurant.

Feel better, now?

The Holy Spirit (talking to me)

You know the answer.

Down in the hotel lobby, I got irritated with the elevator. I wanted to go up, but it was going down.

“Let the doors shut, and then push the up button,” said my wise, and calmer, wife.

I did, and viola! The red up arrow lit and the elevator reopened.

On the way to the 17th floor, I had time to think.

Stop sulking, and choose a better perspective—My perspective.

Almighty God (not me)

Kind reader, we go up with God by first going down—humbling ourselves. It’s as simple as letting the doors shut and pressing the up button.

This is likely not news to you, but, like me, do you sometimes stumble over yourself, when life gets hard?

Thank you for reading. 🙏❤️ prayers and love.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)

The Stigma Stops Here. 🛑

#mentalhealthmatters

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Comments

10 responses to “When Down Means Up”

  1. davidsdailydose Avatar
    davidsdailydose

    True. It’s certainly not the world’s way of thinking. What Jesus told some Pharisees comes to mind: how what is valuable to many people is detestable to God.
    Thank you for reading and commenting, Malcolm. This week was our spring holiday from school.

    Like

  2. davidsdailydose Avatar
    davidsdailydose

    I’m praying for you and your next step, Pastor Pete. We are on our way to sing at a nursing home. Serving others in Jesus’ name always brings a better perspective.

    Like

  3. davidsdailydose Avatar
    davidsdailydose

    I’m praying for you, brother Alan. 🙏May you prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.
    🙏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇸

    Liked by 1 person

  4. malcolmsmusingscom Avatar
    malcolmsmusingscom

    Thanks, David. Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and upside-down being right-way-up…. down being up… losers being winners approach to life is as counter-cultural today as it was then

    Liked by 1 person

  5. davidsdailydose Avatar
    davidsdailydose

    I need more friends like you, brother Eric. The
    life experiences you write about have gifted you a valuable perspective. “Woe is me” whiners-like me—need to stop taking ourselves so seriously. My dad used to tell me, “Son, the only thing that’s the end of the world is the end of the world.”
    Thanks for stopping by, brother! God Bless.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. DailyArmorDevotional Avatar
    DailyArmorDevotional

    I actually laughed when I read this, but in a totally sympathetic/empathetic way. My dear wife sometimes has moments of frustration that turn into a comedy of errors the more frustrated she gets…like a snowball, it seems that frustration only invites everything to go wrong.😑 We laugh about it after the fact, when things have settled down.
    Thank God for the Holy Spirit in heavy times, when it seems the dark clouds won’t stop raining on us. He reminds us that His light will never fade. God bless and keep you sunny today, brother David! ☀️ 🙏

    Liked by 2 people

  7. davidsdailydose Avatar
    davidsdailydose

    Thank you for reading and commenting, Grant. You’re right, self-sufficiency is a strong elixir; it tempts us to think we need no one else—even God. It’s a good thing He is loving and patient and kind. I’m grateful for the resets He’s given me over the years, and, as you said,
    these often provide opportunities to point others to God. 🙏Blessings to you and yours.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Alan Kearns Avatar
    Alan Kearns

    This is a very pertinent and encouraging message David, thank you brother 😊
    My lift has been stuck in the basement lately but God is always there, and things are on the up slowly. God bless you and Nancy today my dear friend and brother 🙏 🇺🇸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

    Liked by 1 person

  9. pastorpete51 Avatar
    pastorpete51

    Thanks for your story. This week has been similar for me. Inviting God to be my heart’s inspector and corrector has lead to the next step I’ve been needing to take.

    Liked by 2 people

  10. Grant Ferguson Avatar
    Grant Ferguson

    An excellent dose, David, and while reading I recalled spiritual life in a large corporation. Many opportunities to minister, but few to the self-made executives. When they stubbed their toes on a business or personal problem, the door opened to share the Lord. Some bonds lasted for a moment, others lasted for years, and they met God in their time of need. Thank you!

    Liked by 2 people

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