“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

Again Jesus hits us with something that simply does not compute—how are we blessed by mourning? Mourning evokes feelings of pain and sadness rather than happiness. As I said in part one of this series, being blessed is not about happiness but rather about being spiritually joyful and a state of ultimate well-being. This well-being is often misunderstood during times of pain.

Those who mourn are blessed because God Himself comforts them. In a world filled with pain and sadness true loving comfort is a unique and compelling show of love. God reaches out to us in times of pain and loss—though not always alleviating but always loving us through it and proving that He cares for us.

There will be times of mourning and loss (Ecclesiastes 3:4); pain will always exist in this life. God can and will turn our mourning into dancing (Psalm 30:11)—joy is the idea here.  The recognition of God as our loving comforter brings joy to our spirits; “may Your (God’s) unfailing love be my comfort” (Psalm 119:76). Jesus presents the Holy Spirit as both Counselor and Comforter (John 14:16) and promises the transition from grief to joy that comes from our salvation.

This does not mean that we do not mourn or that we should tell people to get over it! We will mourn and we are called to comfort those who mourn as representatives of God’s presence and love (Romans 12:15).

What are you mourning? How can God turn it into joy—even dancing? His love is the only promise that will stand. God is faithful to a thousand generations of those who love Him so He can and will heal your heart.

Lee