Blessed Are Those Who Mourn
When we think of mourning, we often equate it with grief. The two are definitely related. We mourn because we have suffered loss. In life, we will continue to experience periods of loss and the grief that goes with it.
When Jesus talked about the blessing for those who mourn, he may have had more than just death in mind. As he looked out over Jerusalem, he mourned for the suffering they would experience because of their hard hearts. Old Testament prophets also recorded how they mourned for the sinfulness of God’s chosen people. We, too, may mourn over those we love who do not follow Jesus, sin in the church and the depravity of society.
But there is a blessing
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4 (ESV)
The sources of comfort
We are comforted by the peace that God gives. No matter what the circumstances we find ourselves in, God always gives us peace. That peace is a powerful gift. When we are following Jesus, the peace of God is enduring and is empowered by his presence in our lives.
Peace is a quality that comforts and assures us. It is given to us so that we aren’t overcome by despair. As we pause to reflect on our relationship with God, we can rest in this peace. God is with us.
We are comforted by an eternal hope. There is no loss of hope as we mourn and grieve. This hope is for all who believe and are experiencing God in their daily lives. It is a sure and certain hope for every follower of Jesus. This hope is in the resurrection to eternal life that he has promised. Death is never final. Loss is never total. Grief never extinguishes hope. Hope is life giving and there is a certainty in our hope that will be realized in heaven.
We are comforted by his presence. God is the giver of life. He sustains us by his presence regardless of our circumstances. Every good and perfect gift comes from him. Death and despair are never the final answer when we have him in our lives.
God’s presence strengthens us and helps us. His grace sustains us and perfects us. His infinite, unconditional love envelopes us. Day by day, as we travel through grief or despair, he continues to walk through it with us. Even when we cannot sense him, he is there. We can take great courage and strength from this real and true experience. His presence is true, trustworthy and sure.
Look up
No matter what circumstances you find yourself in today – grief, loss, despair – you can know that God will help you and comfort you. That is his promise, and it is sure. Take time to thank him and find the peace, hope and joy that his presence gives you.