Matthew 5:4 "Blessed" Part 2

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." NIV

Mourning for what? The sins I have committed in the past? The sinful nature that I seem to battle against daily? The fact that I have to face temptation and sinfulness around me every day? Difficulties and struggles of this life? Lost youth? Bleak future? Marital difficulties? Financial struggles? Past choices? Present trials?

I suppose He is referring to all of these depending on our true attitude of the heart. There are so many things in our life that can bring mourning, the difference is what we do with it. Once we have been faced with the saving grace of our Lord, our past sins can bring up much regret and mourning. But if we have humbly surrendered to His grace, His Spirit brings us comfort in our sorrow. If we are mourning our present state of affairs not out of selfish ambition, but a repentant desire to do better, He is our comfort. If we are mourning those circumstances which are out of our control but that are just part of living in a fallen, imperfect world, His Spirit will wrap His arms around us and assure us that He has it all under control.

We will continue to face trials and difficulties either as a result of our past choices or because of the imperfection of this present life. But we can persevere because we have been given a Counselor that not only wipes away our tears, but leads us through the fog. We must live in an attitude of mourning, but not dwell in the misery of it. As long as it leads to our dependence on the Father, we can change our mourning to joy, our sorrow to triumph.

Thank You, Father, that whether I am facing regret over sin or present sorrow over circumstances, You are my comfort. I delight in Your presence and receive comfort from Your Spirit. You bring me joy.

Further Thoughts:

1. What do I do with my sin regrets? (See 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Isaiah 43:25, Psalm 103:12)
2. The enemy can tempt us to move from mourning to worry about our present situation. What do we do about that? (See Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 55:22, Luke 12:22-34, Proverbs 3:5-6)
3. Look up synonyms for "comfort" or "comforted." Then find verses with these words in it to memorize and bring to mind in especially difficult times. (If you go to Crosswalk.com and type the word in the search box and click "find," it will give you all the verses that contain that word.)
4. If you are in a state of mourning right now, give all the pain over to the Lord. Ask His Spirit for the comfort you need and rest in His arms. He will "not leave you nor forsake you."