Jesus Christ came into the world to bless us, by turning us from our sins and self-centred rebellion (Acts 3:26). And so at the beginning of His public ministry, Jesus announced God's blessings for people who repent, receive God's Spirit and develop a Christ-like character. The eight blessings (beatitudes) are promises of heaven-sent contentment and joy despite difficult worldly circumstances. They are all counter-cultural – nobody in the world would set out to get good things for themselves like this. Neither are they rewards for good behaviour or spiritual achievement. They are God's gifts which flow from His grace.

To be 'poor in spirit', is to be empty of self-seeking and to be content with whatever God gives or allows. It is the opposite to being 'rich, or proud or haughty in spirit' – the arrogant attitude which comes from 'being someone', 'having things' and 'selfish assertion' (1 John 2:16). Those who are 'poor in spirit' place no confidence in their reputation, wealth or ability to get their own way. They identify with Job who said, "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." (Job 1:21). The Apostle Paul had a similar confidence (Philippians 4:11-13).

Such people are soft-hearted towards God. They neither demand from Him nor blame Him for their circumstances (Job 13:15). They trust Him where they cannot see because their hope is not in what they have or know, but in what He will give to those who love Him. They are certain that they are in His kingdom. Towards the end of His ministry Jesus reaffirmed the same promise: "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.'" (Matthew 25:34).

How do we claim this promise? Not by anything we do because it is God's gift (Ephesians 2:8-9). One day every believer will enter His presence; in the meantime, the blessings of joy despite trouble (James 1:2-5) and contentment while still being in need, should be the daily confidence of the true child of God. We may not see the kingdom but we know that we are in it. We may have nothing, but we know that God will supply every need according to His riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Those who are poor in spirit think little about themselves and everything about God; they are willing to let go of every treasure so that they can treasure Christ's company. This is quite a challenge to those of us who are so easily caught up with the world's values. So it is worth asking the Lord to give His assessment of your spirit and then asking Him to help you to shape your desires so that they will be like God's.