The Comfort Hidden In Sorrow

The words “blessed” and “mourn” being used in the same sentence seem contradictory. How could mourning be something that is happy or favorable? The concept could be found in two separate categories, being a mourning over sin, or a mourning over trial and oppression. Both of these seem to be reasons for great sorrow, but how could this be something in which we are blessed? First of all, when looking at our sin, the mourning over sin draws us to repentance. Paul points to this idea in 2 Corinthians, where he says, “As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us”(2 Corinthians 7:9) This godly grief leading to repentance is a great thing, as we know that there is great joy for those who are forgiven (Psalm 32).

For the concept of trial and oppression, our new life in Christ creates the joy we need to finish the race that is set before us, knowing when our time is done on this earth, we are going to a place where, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). This concept of being happy and favored through mourning is strange to our initial understanding, but when we meditate on the richness and joy of being forgiven, and much more on the reality of the everlasting joy we will experience in the presence of the Lord, we can confidently rest in the words of Jesus, “for they shall be comforted” 

Respond with any questions, prayer requests, or encouragement!

In Christ,

Josh Hernandez