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

Matthew 5:8

Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:

• This passage is one of Jesus’s Beatitudes in “The Sermon on the Mount.”
• When Jesus delivers the Beatitudes (sometimes called “Be-Attitudes”), he reminds his followers — and us — of God’s faithfulness and favor, no matter the current conditions we are experiencing.  He directs our attention to God, inviting us to reconsider our position and change our perspective, so we can live in the best ways for us, even in difficult circumstances.
• Consider that the definition of pure means something which is wholesome, untainted, and free of contaminants or any extra elements.
• To be pure of heart means to hold our inner, prayerful life sacred and to continually direct our faithful attention to God.  With pure hearts, we recognize that God is in the midst of whatever is occurring, the challenges, celebrations, and everything in-between.  Then, we can choose how best to use our precious energy in all situations.
• Remember, too, that we get to choose our perspective.  As a May 1952 Daily Wordreminds us: “We cannot think about God for a few minutes and then devote the next half hour to rehearsal of some difficulty.”  So, it invites us to affirm: “I keep my thoughts centered in the omnipresent spirit of God.”

Contemplation Questions:

Ask yourself:

• What are the current conditions in my life?
  • Without judgment or analysis, freely list, word map, or illustrate what the conditions are.

• When I separate these into categories, which are favorable?  Which are unfavorable?
  • Create a category for each, noting which is which.

• When I tune into my own heart, how do I feel about these conditions and how have I been viewing them?
  • Without judging or analyzing yourself, freely list, word map, or illustrate how you feel and what your perspective has been.  For example, you can say something like, “I feel hopeless, as if I am looking through a dirty window.”  Or, “I feel hopeful, because my BFF supports me in this.”

• As I stay tuned into my heart and contemplate all my answers, how can I see God in the midst of everything?
  • List, word map, or illustrate as much as you can.  For example, you can say something like, “I wasn’t expecting to pay for this repair, and I am still grateful that I have funds to pay for it.”

• When I contemplate all my answers, what are at least three (3) steps I can take, no matter how small, to shift my perspective about any challenges?
  • List, word map, or illustrate as much as you can imagine.

• When I contemplate all my answers, what are at least three (3) ways I can celebrate the shifts that occur because my view is shifting?
  • List, word map, or illustrate as much as you can imagine.

As you work with this devotional, remember that you are divine, beloved creation of God.  Be gentle with yourself as you honor your feelings and redirect your vison.  Because so many of us are re-aligning ourselves and our lives during this pandemic, we are striving to find our own sense of harmony and equanimity.  As we remain pure in heart, we do not deny that there may be challenges to overcome.  Rather, we decide to focus our attention and energy on the best ways to resolve them now.  And, especially, our hearts remain pure because we have faith in the omnipresence of God.

© 2021 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.