June 21 – Matthew 5:4; John 16:16-24
Blessed are you who mourn.
At first glance, one would think this speaks to emotional sorrow, one of significant loss and deep longing for what was. Yet, this kind of sorrow cannot yield or warrant blessings. Does God comfort us in that sad sorrow? Of course, He does! Here, however, Jesus is speaking of a different kind of sorrow, the sorrow of sin. And the comfort? The blessings of salvation and restoration! When the Spirit prompts us to confess our sins, repent, and ask for restoration, He is faithful to forgive!
Sorrow of sin is more profound than regret. It is a sorrow that gives us the posture of firm resolve to walk away from sin. Of acknowledging we are in great need of the Savior and one of repentance. This kind of sorrow is actionable; it produces confession and leaves no regrets.
I remember the day of my own sorrow. That gut-wrenching, twisting of my stomach. The ache in my soul at the very real and present knowledge of what my sin has done to me. The groaning of my Spirit that raged at the separation from the God who created me. The knowledge of my crimes against God was crushing, the list of wrongs too long to count. How could I ever go before the throne upon which sat my King? And yet. He called me to Him. He knelt beside me as I poured out my sorrow, grief, and repentance and waved His hand of forgiveness over me. In the place of all the wreckage was Peace. Comfort had found me! Joy filled my soul, and I felt as though I was floating. My mourning had been blessed, for it brought me to Comfort Himself.
Blessed are you who mourn your sin and run to our Father of forgiveness. Blessed are you who repent and seek His forgiveness and grace. Blessed are you, child of God!
My Verse: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
My Response: God, I praise You!!!!! I praise You! You brought salvation, and You still bring it today. You send the Spirit of conviction! You set it all into motion. I am thankful for my salvation and that You would even think of me!
(Further Reading: 2 Corinthians 7:2-16; Isaiah 40:1-5)
1 Comment. Leave new
My verse: John 16:22 “So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy.”
My response: Oh, Father! How I cling to this solid truth. I will see Jesus. And there will come a time when earthly sorrows fade and no one/no thing can rob me of the joy inexpressible of being with You forever.