no circumstance can take away my joy
This week at XA Live we walked through Luke 6:20–36 together. I’ve been thinking more about Jesus’ “upside-down” words, and each time I read them they challenge me more and more.
I've been reminded so many times this week that my own contentment is usually tied to circumstances— my health, how much money is in the bank, whether I “feel” happy today. It can be like a roller coaster everyday as I walk through highs and lows. I rarely feel “blessed” when things are going wrong - I’m much more likely to be whiny, grumpy or down-right angry.
But Jesus flips it all around. He says:
Blessed are the poor.
Blessed are the hungry.
Blessed are the weeping.
Blessed are the hated.
It doesn’t make sense at first glance and it definitely doesn’t come naturally to me. But here’s the truth: real happiness isn’t about what you have; it’s about who has you. If Jesus has you, then no circumstance can take away your joy.
And then Jesus goes further. He calls us to love not just friends, but enemies. To give without expecting repayment. To show kindness even when it’s not deserved. Why? Because that’s exactly what He did for us. We were once His enemies, and yet He loved us all the way to the cross.
So this week, here are two practical challenges for living in God’s upside-down kingdom:
1. Find joy in an “unblessed” moment.
When something hard comes up—stress, rejection, loneliness—pause and pray: “Lord, thank You that Your kingdom is mine even here in this very hard moment.”
2. Do one kind thing for an “enemy.”
Maybe it’s someone who irritates you, talks behind your back, or just drains you. Find one way to show them kindness without expecting anything back.
Remember: you can’t do this in your own strength. But Jesus has already loved you this way, and His Spirit empowers you to do the same.
Let’s be people who confuse the world with our joy and our love this week,
Paige
P.S. I read a portion of a blessing from Kate Bower in my sermon this week and wanted to share the full blessing here - I find it really honest and meaningful - maybe you will too.
a blessing for when loving your enemy seems too big of an ask
