A Breakthrough Of Happiness
No one was more surprised than I
At the breakthrough of happiness
Bringing color into my life yesterday.
Perhaps it was the warmer air
for a day or two that
dispersed the winter doldrums
while strolling through the stand of pines.
Or the gorgeous flowers like the
stunning black phoenix arising
from the ashes to be reborn and
illuminating icons and statues of the faith.
It may have been the welcoming
smiles and twinkling eyes on the
faces of friends both silver and gold.
Perhaps it is the melodic pipe
organ music that whispers
directly to my fearful heart.
Oh, now I know! In the depths
of winter are lovely reminders
of Creator’s life-giving promises
that I’ve never been alone.
You’re Blessed
Luke 6:17-23 (The Message)
Coming down off the mountain with them, he stood on a plain surrounded by disciples, and was soon joined by a huge congregation from all over Judea and Jerusalem, even from the seaside towns of Tyre and Sidon. They had come both to hear him and to be cured of their diseases. Those disturbed by evil spirits were healed. Everyone was trying to touch him—so much energy surging from him, so many people healed! Then he spoke:
“You’re blessed when you’ve lost it all. God’s kingdom is there for the finding.
You’re blessed when you’re ravenously hungry. Then you’re ready for the Messianic meal.
You’re blessed when the tears flow freely. Joy comes with the morning.”
Count yourself blessed every time someone cuts you down or throws you out, every time someone smears or blackens your name to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and that that person is uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—skip like a lamb, if you like! — for even though they don’t like it, I do . . . and all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company; my preachers and witnesses have always been treated like this.
God is Here
Although I can only skip like a lamb in my mind, it is good to feel like I’m coming through the other side of illness. The beatitudes speak of God’s blessings in surprising ways that may not come to mind, or are even the opposite of what we consider, when we think of blessings!
We pray that you will know healing through the Spirit of Christ no matter what circumstances greet you this day. Pray to release the need to control and open yourself to the joy and peace that comes when not burdened with taking on the world. God is working in all circumstances to bring about good. When praying, you are in good company. The Spirit unites us with God and one another.
God’s love and peace to you and all,
Marta
Rev. Marta Wheeler
To view or download a PDF version of this devotional, click here: Devotional MW 2022-02-02