“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.”
-Matthew 5:3-4
I love the backwards and upside-down nature of the gospel. I’ve encountered the comfort of God in all of my mourning. I’ve known His nearness and tenderness throughout seasons of feeling poor in spirit. “Paradox” was inspired by this verse and part of this prayer from the Valley of Vision that I love so much:
Lord, High and Holy, Meek and Lowly,
Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision,
where I live in the depths but see thee in the heights;
hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold thy glory.
Let me learn by paradox
that the way down is the way up,
that to be low is to be high,
that the broken heart is the healed heart,
that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,
that the repenting soul is the victorious soul,
that to have nothing is to possess all,
that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,
that to give is to receive,
that the valley is the place of vision.
I pray today that we all encounter God whether we’re on the mountain top or in the valley. Jane Marczewski (aka. Nightbirde, follow her account for daily inspiration), says this: “I have heard it said that some people can’t see God because they won’t look low enough, and it’s true. If you can’t see him, look lower. God is on the bathroom floor.”