Need in every direction

The eight examples of blessing in the Beatitudes provide an illustration of need coming from a number of directions, and in complementary aspects. Not all need is poverty. Need can be for what is necessary to accomplish good things, or to make meaningful change within us.

The first two Beatitudes express need in the direction of provision. Poverty is an emptiness looking forward; mourning is an emptiness looking back. Both address a need for provision in the present. In poverty, He can show Himself faithful to provide for our daily needs outwardly. In mourning, He can give an enduring comfort inwardly.

The second two Beatitudes express need in the direction of actions. Whether we are rich or poor materially, we are in need in what we do. The gentle can act in this world with strength, without using anger. We need what can make us outwardly gentle: strong in action, soft in touch. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness need an inward change; righteousness comes from within.

The third two Beatitudes express need in the direction of the heart. The merciful need mercy to continually flow out of them for the world. Mercy must be renewed day by day; the merciful need a heart of mercy. The pure in heart need a cleansing in their heart to wash away the past. The merciful need a grace for the outward; the pure in heart need grace for the inward.

The fourth two Beatitudes express need in the direction of others. The peacemakers need the wisdom that comes from above to make peace; for them wisdom gives them something for the outward. For the persecuted, they need a wisdom that gives them something for the inward. In the midst of their suffering, they need to grasp their great reward.

Together the Beatitudes illustrate that the God who delivered David in Psalm 18 does the same for us in every direction and in every level of our life. He can deal with the negatives of life; He can also deal with the positives of life. He can provide for us; He can act through us. He can change us; He can help us in this world. In each of these things, the kingdom of God comes near to those who call on Him. Our circumstances and our efforts can be a place to grow as we call on Him.

Blessed are those who need help.