Brief note before sharing the devotional: although I’m aware
that this next set of devotionals is from Scripture that a lot of people are
already familiar with, the timing of these arriving in my Bible app couldn’t
have been more on-point, from a God-challenging-me perspective. The key to
understanding the passage commonly known as the Beatitudes, as well as Jesus’
Sermon on Mount (or Plain, in Luke’s account) on the whole, is realizing that you
have to apply this to yourself. I have to apply this to myself.
All of a sudden, the tone and meaning of this passage sounds completely
different.
Good Grief
Can anything good come from grief? From mourning a deep loss? From weeping over a profoundly heavy heartache?While grief is a necessary part of life, no one longs to grieve. But in the second beatitude—a series of promises Jesus made about God’s Kingdom—Jesus said this:
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Matthew 5:4 ESV
No one can appreciate rain more than someone who’s lived in the desert. No one can value food more than someone who’s truly been starving. And no one can know God as their Comforter like someone who’s desperately needed comfort.
Unfortunately, death, decay, and disappointment are a part of this world. But even in our sorrow and suffering, God stands ready to comfort us—in unique and meaningful ways that only He can.
The Holy Spirit is often called the “Comforter,” as well as “Helper,” “Counselor,” or “Advocate.” But regardless of what He’s called, it’s always who He is. Even in our grief, He’s always a God who has our best in mind.
And so, how does God comfort us? He does this through His Spirit, through His Word, and by working in and through His people.
Do you have the eyes to see how He’s pursuing you? Have you opened your heart to His comfort?
If you are a follower of Christ who is mourning today, remember: Jesus Himself promised that you will be comforted. He’s always good, He’s always faithful, and He’s right here, ready to help.
https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.5.4.ESV