Being Comforted in Sad Times
Today’s Verse:
Matthew 5:4 ESV
(Jesus said)“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Last night, I found out that a dear friend, Gerry, died. He and I met in the 1990s during my stint when I worked primarily in politics. We didn’t agree much, but we found ways around our differences by putting friendship above all. Early on in my current cancer battle, he would be one of the people who would drive me to the cancer center for treatment. After hearing of his death last night, I sat up in bed, sad.
Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount came to mind. In verse 4 of Matthew 5, Jesus tells us those who mourn will comforted. Our Lord calls those who mourn “blessed.” These words in verse 4 remind us that we will all grieve and suffer. No one is immune to sadness and hurt. Through the tears and heartbreak, Jesus promises us His comfort. At the core of being comforted by God is the promise of the resurrection to eternal life. The assurance of Jesus’ victory over death means we will live with Him when He calls us from our graves. His resurrection is ours!
This Beatitude reminds us that it is OK to grieve and be sad. Our Lord will always be with us to comfort us with the promise of eternal life. Being sad and sometimes getting angry at God is normal. Through all our hurt, our Lord Jesus is right there with us. He brings us hope and care during those times we’re hurting.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your presence with us in our suffering. Comfort those who mourn today and give them hope in your promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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