Blessed Be Those That Mourn

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

“Blessed be those that mourn,”
Preached Jesus on the mount,
“For they shall be comforted,”
Like an overflowing fount.

He weeps with those who weep,
And mourns with those who mourn;
His promises bring comfort
When we feel forlorn.

Lean on a brother or sister,
To sympathize with you.
They will share your sorrow,
And help you pull through.

As you call to Jesus in your sorrow,
Express to Him your grief;
He will give you peace unending
And bring your heart relief.

Death is a natural part of life on earth. We’ve all been affected by it. Last week I lost two loved ones. Whether the death of someone you know is expected or sudden, it’s never easy to reconcile with their passing. They’ve left a hole in your life that only they can fill.

But God is good. He knows just how to help us with that void. (Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4) We’re given space to express all the emotions that come with such a loss. Friends share in our grief as we lean on them for comfort. (…weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15) God surrounds us with His comfort as we remember precious moments. The more we talk about them, the more comforted we feel. Remembering brings healing.

Last year, a loved one passed away while I was in Israel. While I was walking through the Mount of Beattitudes, my mind was in a daze. As we quickly walked up to the church, I absentmindedly took a quick picture of one of the stones, not even reading it. As I sat in the church, remembering this person, my friend took my hand, and we prayed. When I got on the bus, I looked at the pictures I took. The one picture I took of the stones was “Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” God was there to comfort me before I even realized it! This poem just flowed out onto paper after that.

We all have our own way of dealing with grief. Mine is writing poetry. It’s how God gives me comfort, and how I can, in turn, bring comfort to others. That is what is so beautiful about God. He knows us in such a way to minister to us uniquely to meet our individual needs. (The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18) If you are hurting, call on God. He will hear you and bring you comfort and strength. Before you know it, He will turn your mourning into dancing as He restores your joy. (You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give You thanks forever! Psalm 30:11-12)

Jesus

Overcomes

Yesterday!

Lord, in times of sadness, I am so thankful I can call upon You for comfort, strength, and peace. Thank you for friends and family who come along side us during our grief. In turn, guide us in being that strength to our friends and family when they are in need. We praise You for restoring our joy as we remember and celebrate the life of a loved one! Amen