Fields United Methodist Church

Side by Side with Jesus.                                                         Pastor Tom Joyce

February 24, 2021

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

Matthew 5:8

It is gift to see God but what if you are pulled in so many directions and God’s face is somewhat obscured by just living day to day? We are each “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) but there are times when we just don’t feel so wonderful.  Have you ever been so tired, and so stressed that nothing seems to make any sense? The kids are hungry and the bills need to be paid; a loved one is sick and you feel helpless. We all have challenges that take our attention away from God.  In the midst of living life, we have can have a hard time seeing our way forward let alone seeing God…  I knew a person who at every turn, her life became more challenging; crisis after crisis dominated her days, yet she held her head high and constantly affirmed that, “by the grace of God go I.” She was so blessed by her deep faith in Jesus Christ that no matter what happened, she was walking side by side with Jesus, focused on the amazing grace of God rather than consumed by the hardships that seemed to follow her on a daily basis. Jesus was preaching to a large crowd and offered a series of “blessings,” not so much about what is happening today but the comfort and peace in knowing that those with a “pure heart,” will know that they are not alone and that through faith they will see God as God sees them through this life, and the life to come. Jesus never denied the challenges of life, nor promised a care-free existence. But Jesus did promise to be with you “even to the end of the age,” (Matthew 28:20) or as we grieve loss affirms, “I am the resurrection and the life, those who believe in me, even though they die will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11:25,26) Maybe the pure in heart are those who have faith even in the face of adversity, even when life seems impossible and especially when they find themselves lost, have this conviction within them that their strength and help “comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:2) A pure heart is focused on the “overwhelming, never-ending reckless love of God.” (Cory Asbury) Open your heart to the pure love of God, especially today, this very moment and you will see God in this life and the life to come.

Rev. Tom Joyce