Poor in spirit is not about lacking spiritual joy, depth or power; it is more like spiritual humility. Our tendency is to consider ourselves to be in control of life to have the power to make things better but this is a false consideration. God states clearly that His ways are higher and the Psalmist cried out "what is man?" Still, we like to feel powerful and important.  Jesus was addressing the average Jew at that time; a person with little control over anything.

 Jesus was constantly butting heads with the religious leaders for making God seem like a distant task-master and promoting themselves.  This is what I call spiritual arrogance. Unfortunately, we still see this behavior in some Christian circles.  Before we throw stones we need to do a little self-examination.  I (and probably you) like to feel self-sufficient.  I like to be seen as "godly" or an authority on spiritual matters. Jesus addressed this issue in chapter 6. This issue is my motivation--am I teaching/preaching/praying/etc. for God's glory or my own? Do I look down on those with less knowledge or experience? Our desire to be holy can get out of control and lead us to this place of arrogance before God and man.

  When we are able to acknowledge and accept that only God can meet our needs, that only He is worthy of praise then we can receive His joy and contentment just being a part of His family and kingdom. The rewards of humility include confidence in our position as children of God, a sense of God's power working in and around us and freedom from a need to prove anything. Blessings come from standing in reverential awe of God which leads to a healthy view of myself and in turn to a place of true worship and fulfillment.

"Mankind, He has told you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God," (Michal 6:8 HCSB).

Blessings,

Lee