Today’s scripture: Matthew 5:3-7 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Dawn Horn):
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4.
When I was 23 years old my mother died. I went through a deep period of mourning. Those of you who have experienced this kind of grief understand what I’m talking about. I could not be comforted by my friends or family. My father was experiencing his own grief, having lost the woman he had loved for 50 years. I say to my shame, that I was no help at all to him.
One night in my despair I decided to end my grief. But that very night, the pastor of the church I had been attending came for a visit to see how I was doing. Well, I broke down and he told me the story of David when his son by Bathsheba died. He spoke the words of David to me. “Can I bring him back again? I will go to him one day, but he cannot return to me.” (2 Samuel 12:23) God had sent this man the very night I needed him most. God, through him, comforted and assured me that I would see my mother again one day.
To experience grief and sorrow is inevitable in this life, but we have the promise that God will comfort us. One of the names for the Holy Spirit is “Comforter.” And I’m reminded of 2 Corinthians 1: 3 – 4, where it says;
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Perhaps someone needed to hear these words today. I pray in your sorrow for whatever reason, you will be comforted by the fact you are not alone. God cares, and we as believers in God are here to care and comfort one another.
Thought for the day: Lord Jesus, help me to look beyond my own little world. As I have received comfort from You, help me to comfort and encourage others in their time of sorrow. In Christ alone, Amen.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.