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

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons[a] of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:3-12 

I have several drawers full of stuff that has value to me and personal items that belonged to family members who’ve passed. Why do I keep these items around? Because they mean something to me and every time I get them out, wonderful memories of my past come to mind. But, the reality is once I pass, those items will have no meaning to my kids and will most likely be discarded. One day I’ll have to help them by going through those things and discard them, saving them the trouble in the future. 

As a child of God, you have something even more valuable than earthly things and possessions. Today’s verses come from Jesus’ teaching of the Beatitudes. As you read them, you’ll find that each one has eternal value. Poor in spirit will inherit the kingdom of heaven, mourners will be eternally comforted, pure in heart will see God, peacemakers will be called “sons of God”, the persecuted will inherit the kingdom of heaven and there you’ll receive rewards that will last forever! The sufferings you endure in this life will pale in comparison to the wonderful blessing that await you when you enter into Heaven. 

Jesus said you will have tribulation while here on earth. Don’t allow the troubles of this life distract you from the eternal rewards that await you for enduring in faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Look at the troubles of your life having “eternal value”, because they will yield something much greater than the good days you experience this side of Heaven. 

Thank you Father for those trials and troubles I face, as I continue to look to you for comfort and strength, knowing that they have eternal value and one day I will be rewarded for sustaining my walk with You!