Spiritual poverty is experiencing the reality of our condition. But many do not believe that a major reason to grow is that we are in a deep and severe state of neediness and incompleteness. Yet the Bible teaches that all of us are in this state. Paul’s personal anguish over his inability to do the right thing (Romans 7:15-24) illustrates how much every person needs God’s grace and mercy. Not everyone is aware of his or her neediness, however some are. Jesus described those who are aware of their neediness as poor in spirit: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).
Spiritual poverty helps us to live in reality: When we are comfortably independent, it is easy to avoid our need for God. Spiritual poverty is about living in reality. A good way to understand this is to think of spiritual poverty as experiencing our state of incompleteness before God. This can be due to weaknesses, unfulfilled needs, emotional injuries and hurts at the hands of others, and our own immaturities and sins. It has to do with those parts of ourselves that are not what they should be and that we cannot repair in our own strength. When people experience their neediness, incompleteness, and dependency at a deep level, that is, the way they really are, they are often over-whelmed. Spiritual poverty then, is the cure for self-righteousness, self-centeredness, and many others problems and issues. When the “eyes of our heart” are opened to the truth, we do not feel better about ourselves; rather we feel something is terribly wrong. Jesus calls this a “blessed” condition because it helps us to recognize that God is our source of healing, and the hope of a better life.
Brokenheartedness: Brokenheartedness is related to spiritual poverty. When our heart is broken, it is a state of being wounded or crushed by some loss, hurt, injustice, situation or circumstance. When a person is downcast because of an emotional, relational, or career injury, he or she is brokenhearted. God has special tenderness for this condition: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). Brokenheartedness often brings about a sense of our spiritual poverty because it reveals our neediness.
Spiritual poverty helps us grow: Spiritual poverty is a rich part of the spiritual growth process. Spiritual poverty helps us grow because it is literally “lacking in spirit”. The more we are broken, the more God can grow us up. The Greek term for “spirit” used in Matthew 5:3 (“Blessed are the poor in spirit”) is the word indicating the spiritual dimension of life. In other words, the experience of poverty is both practical and spiritual. Awareness of our being incomplete orients us toward God and His ways, where He awaits us with all we need to repair, heal, grow, and mature. Poverty of spirit requires more of us than admitting that we are incomplete and needy. It also affects our entire being, especially our heart. Realizing our condition before God is an overwhelmingly emotional experience involving feelings such as dependence, grief and remorse. Our goal is to become integrated. That is, having the heart and head in alliance with each other. God reminds us time and time again that He likes neediness. Our life experiences might tell us to avoid a needy position. If so, take a faith step and open your soul up to God and safe people because spiritual poverty is the only way to be filled with what He has for us. Can you accept that your neediness is a gift?
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