It is a rainy Wednesday morning here in Batesville. The skies are dark, the ground is damp, and there’s a dour mood all over our town. Yes, we know that April showers will bring May flowers, but May feels like a long way off when it’s as downcast out as it is today.

Nevertheless, I’m reminded of the words of the Master, in His sermon on the mount, when He said that His people were blessed, if not in this life, then at least in the life to come. We might not always be happy, but with a little perspective, we can appreciate what we have, and look forward to the joy that is set before us. We might not always be happy, but we are always blessed. Listen to the Lord…

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

(Matthew 5:3-10)

There’s not much of a sun in the sky today, but God’s people have sunshine in their souls. We have reasons to rejoice, not given to us by the world or by happenstance circumstances, but given to us by God. In fact, Jesus’ words were written to promise great blessings for those who become part of the Kingdom of Heaven. That’s the church. We have that Kingdom today. The blessings of spiritual riches, comfort, inheritance, righteousness, mercy, and a close relationship with God are available to us here and now, and they’re not dependent on the ever-changing weather, but on the unchanging goodness of God. Rejoice, Christian: You have a spiritual life where the sky never goes grey.

Tonight we will gather with our brethren for singing, devotion, and Bible class. I hope you’ll be here for it. It’ll be a joyful way for the citizens of God’s Kingdom to end what is shaping up to be an otherwise gloomy sort of day in this world.

~Matthew