A Thought For The Week Of April 23

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." (Matthew 5:4) The second Beatitude. That may be the one verse of Scripture I use more often than any other in my ministry. It's a regular at funerals - usually part of the interment or committal service. And why not? It's a reminder to those who are mourning the loss of a loved one that God is with them and that they will make it through. But I think it's talking about more than just the death of a loved one. I think it's talking about grief, despair, hopelessness - the greatest pain you can imagine; the greatest loss you can suffer. Whatever that might be. In the midst of it all (in the midst of any trouble or sickness or trial - or anything else) you have the assurance that you never face it alone. God is there. God will lift you up. God will comfort you. Those who face no trials or troubles can easily forget about God. But when they come up, God is there. Maybe it's our times of mourning that remind us of God's presence and love. If you're facing some terrible hardship this week - God's there. Whatever the next few days hold in store for any of us, God will walk with us all the way. Have a great week!