Memory Monday – Week 45

Today’s verse has brought a lot of comfort over the last month. Matthew 5:4 says, Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. This is the second verse in the beatitudes.

This verse isn’t talking about a casual grief or sorrow, but a deep heartache and grief. All throughout the bible there was mourning and grief. It started back in Genesis, with the fall of Adam in the garden. Every time there was mourning in the Bible it was because of a death, mourning over sin, mourning over the destruction sin brings, mourning over relationships, mourning over the suffering in this world, etc.

The beatitudes go completely against what the world tells us. The world tells us there is no hope while grieving. So how does someone in a stage of mourning, sadness, heartache, grief, loss, hurt, or pain feel comfort and blessings? Because of Christ!

I love the message version of this verse, ”You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.” Isn’t that the truth? Don’t we gain more of Him when we are in a state of grief and mourning? The blessing this verse refers to is not dependent on our outward circumstances, but it is dependent on following Him.

God’s plan for us isn’t to leave us in a stage of mourning. We might land in that stage many times, but that is where He comes in. He heals us. He comforts us. He blesses us. He draws near to us.

Whatever you are mourning – whether a loss or relationship – remember God wants to help you through it. When you accept Him as your Savior and allow Him into your life He will fill you with comfort and blessings.