Blessed Are Those Who Mourn

Matthew 5:4
“Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.”
 
                In order to speak adequately to the promises presented to us by Jesus here in verse four, we must first understand what it is to “Mourn.” This verb means “to feel or express great sadness, sorrow, grief, and/or a deep sense of suffering” caused by a life-changing event such as the loss of someone or the loss of something meaningful in one’s life. The “mourning” or “grieving” process is a necessary and often beneficial part of the human experience from a holistic prospective – mentally, emotionally, physically, and certainly spiritually. The Lord is decisively drawn to those who are mourning, hurting, struggling, and who are brokenhearted.
 
                According to the promises of Christ, we are indeed, “Blessed” through this process of mourning as such circumstances often cause us to press closer into a deeper dependence upon the Lord for comfort, strength, and hope for our future. We are, first and foremost, called to mourn over sin in our lives which separates us from close intimacy in relationship with our Savior. Secondly, however, there are many occasions along life’s journey which present opportunities to appropriately mourn, and therefore receive the promise that we will be both blessed and comforted. In such circumstances, it is the truth of God’s promises, His continual presence in our lives through His Spirit, along with close friends in the faith that become our greatest sources of His comfort.

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          As we walk through the valleys of mourning over life-changing events, we are promised the hope of being comforted here, this side of eternity. This comfort will come as we press closer to Jesus in prayer and speak His truth over our lives daily, finding moments of stillness and peace with the Lord which will be like medicine for the soul. The Lord promises to comfort and carry us through times of mourning – to be our ultimate source of strength and eternal hope as we take small steps of obedience toward Him. “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18) Regarding seasons or circumstances of life for which we struggle to find comfort and answers, Pastor Johnny Hunt comments, “When we can’t trace the hand of God in our lives, we can trust His heart.” Our heavenly Father is always good and always has in mind what is best for us, even when we cannot understand the difficult things for which He is still working out in and through our lives. 
               
Connecting Faith & Life:
 
                Father, thank You today for Your promise that anyone who knows You as Savior and Lord will be blessed and comforted as we walk through times of mourning. Regardless of the depths to which we experience sorrow, grief, pain, and loss in this world, we will always find our source of strength, comfort, and hope for eternity in You. Reminds us often of Your promises and Your very presence within us, especially in the valleys of mourning we may be called to endure along life’s journey. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.