Rejoice and be glad, because you have a great reward waiting for you in heaven. Matthew 5:12
Matthew 5 describes God's racdical reconstruction of the heart...First, we recognize we are in need (we're poor in spirit). Next, we repent of our self-sufficiency (we mourn). We....surrender control to God (we're meek). So grateful are we for his presence that we yearn for more of Him (we hunger and thirst)...We forgive others (we're merciful). We change our outlook (we're pure in heart). We love others (we're peacemakers). We endure injustice (we're persecuted). It's no casual shift of attitude....The more radical the change, the greater the joy.
from "The Applause of Heaven" by Max Lucado