It seems that yesterday’s post – a scripture for hard times – struck a cord. And, really, why wouldn’t it? It’s tough out there. Everyone is facing something; job loss, home loss, illness, aging parents, struggling children, dying marriage, and bills that seem to multiply when you’re not looking, to name but a very few.

The scripture I posted was the Beatitudes, recognizable for the way it starts in most translations: “Blessed are the…” However, I posted it from plain language of The Message translation, which goes, in part, like this:

You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

I think it strikes a cord in us because it’s so difficult to view hard times as blessings. I had a friend, back in the day, that had gone through a horrific season of crazy, out of control sin that brought grave consequences. She would say “when I finally came to the end of myself, that’s when I could really see God.”

I love that.

It’s when we’ve run out of our own answers, have no more tricks up our sleeves, and truly don’t have a clue as to what happens next  – it’s when we are at the very, very bottom – that’s when we are ready to receive the very real blessing of having nowhere to look but UP.

I found this quote in a little book, and sent it to my friend who is still reeling from her cancer diagnosis.

This is a nod to the Beatitudes, friends. When we come to the very end of ourselves, the real, true work and purposeful journey of life can take us places we never dreamed because we finally get out of the way. The hard times, if we let them, bring us blessing as we’ve never experienced because we bring the old adage “Let go and let God,” to life.

It’s a crazy mad world out there, but we have a magnificent God who holds it. Perhaps we should go for the blessing, and LET HIM.

After all, He’s a LOT stronger, and I don’t know about you, but I’m TIRED of trying to hold it up.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

“So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.” James 4:7 MSG

*Reread yesterday’s scripture – The Beatitudes – here.