“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Photo by Lindley Webster
Click here to read the introduction to this series on the Beatitudes.
Mourn? Really? For those who have truly mourned or who are currently mourning you may be asking yourself “Why?" Why would Jesus include mourning in his list of Beatitudes? As believers we are called to mourn with those who mourn. It is not hard to find one who is brokenhearted or experiencing great loss. Being in a constant state of lament can be overwhelming, but with that said, I pray that our hearts ache for what aches God’s heart. Jesus promises comfort for those who mourn. Isaiah also speaks encouragement:
Isaiah 61:1-2 (NLT)
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me,
for the LORD has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted
and to proclaim that captives will be released
and prisoners will be freed.
He has sent me to tell those who mourn
that the time of the LORD’s favor has come,
and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.
Have you felt comforted during mourning? Did you feel closer to the Lord during this time?
The world preaches we have the right to be happy, at almost any cost. There is no need to mourn, it may show weakness. But if we look around this world, full of sin, do our hearts break? Are we mourning for those who are not willing to give their lives to Christ and are driven by greed, pride, or power? As Christ-followers we are called to mourn.
Are you able to mourn for the world and the sin that so easily entices and entangles? Read Psalm 51 and pray King David’s words not only for yourself, but the world around you.
-Pastor Darcy Webster
Associate Pastor of Operations and Pastoral Care