Blessed Are They That Mourn

         This life has many challenges. With the aftermath of the tornado that claimed 25 lives at last report in several counties in Tennessee earlier this week, there is much sadness and devastation in the lives of so many. Whether you knew those who lost their lives or not, it is a time to remember to be thankful for your loved ones and all that God has blessed you with in this life. In last week’s article, I discussed the first Beatitude that Christ gave to the multitude on the mountain. Today, I will talk about the second Beatitude that He gave, which is, “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4).
       Mourning, or the act of grieving, is something that everyone experiences at some point in their lives. We are encouraged to comfort those who are in mourning, “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep” (Romans 12:15). Family and friends are a wonderful comfort to those who are suffering a loss, but God is the God of all Comfort for God says through Paul in II Corinthians 1:3, “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;” (II Corinthians 1:3). Only God can give us peace during times that we are suffering loss and sadness.
       During challenging times such as those that took place earlier this week, it is important to remember that everything that happens in this life is temporary, and there is a better place waiting for us if we are faithful to God. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (II Corinthians 4:17-18). We must keep our focus on God, no matter what challenges we face in this life. We will be richly rewarded in eternity if we do, and we will have the hope that will carry us on to glory!  “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9).

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