"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." - Matthew 5:4 ESV
As I was meditating on this blessing in the context of all the beatitudes, it occurred to me that these blessings form a progression. Once I realize my utter spiritual poverty, my complete inability to avoid sinning by myself, I come to a place of grief and mourning. This is the deep mourning we experience over a great loss. I think this is grief over my sin and the loss of a relationship with my Creator. There’s also mourning over the hurt I’ve caused God, Who loves me and wants to give me good things.
Even though it really hurts to realize the depth of my sin and loss, this is a very good place to be. Jesus says we are blessed to mourn like this. That’s because this grief can lead us to turn away from our sin and to Him. (See 2 Corinthians 7:9-10.)
And when we turn to Him, He will comfort us. He comforts us through His mercy and grace, forgiving our sin. He comforts us by restoring our relationship, bringing hope and joy. He comforts us by remaining with us through our trials and tribulations.
"You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness," - Psalm 30:11 ESV
Think About: How has God comforted you?
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