The Blessing of Begging

When two truths become one - this is the work of the Spirit bringing "understanding."   This  Greek word describes the junction where two streams join into one river. Similarly,  the Holy Spirit takes the rich and diverse truths of God's word and shows us how they "come together."  

Recently two truths came together in my own mind.  The first truth was "Blessed are the beggars in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God."   The other truth was also about the kingdom of God - "The kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.  

As these truths came together - I began to understand.  Those who beg God because they have no resource of their own are given the righteousness, peace, and joy IN the Holy Spirit.  Maybe that's why it seems to take so long for so many of us; I know it has for me!  Until we come to the place where we are absolutely convinced the answer will not, NO - CAN NOT be found in ourselves - we won't BEG GOD for His Spirit.  

The beggar is immodest in prayer because he knows the only hope he has in his need being met is God's mercy outside of himself.  He begs because he is truly at the end of himself - nothing is left to lean upon, there are no resources to sustain himself.  

He begs because he knows if he does not, he will starve and die.  Do we pray like this?  Are we this desperate for God's mercy and help?  Men who beg God for mercy because they see nothing within themselves WILL BE given the Spirit.  That's why the Kingdom of God belongs to the beggars.  Perhaps The Lord is waiting for us to declare our own bankruptcy and humble ourselves like beggars before He gives us the fullness of His Spirit.  I have spent many years only asking for "help" because I mistakenly thought I could do my part on my own.  

The result - well ....I only received a "little help" because now I realize that was all I asked God for.   I don't know if I am in personal bankruptcy just yet, but becoming a beggar has never looked more beautiful to me as it now appears!  Blessed are the beggars in spirit - for THEIRS is the righteousness, peace, and joy IN the Holy Spirit!