God's Glory Church

“Blessed are the sad.” — Matthew 5:4

I received a message from a young man from England who said that his 63-year-old father was in a very serious condition in the hospital. Although we never met him, our activities were similar in many ways. So, the son, trying to please his father, asked me to send a video message with words of support and prayer. Deeply moved, I recorded a short appeal and prayer for healing on video. Later, my husband said that my father had watched my video and was very happy. However, unfortunately, a few days later I received another message saying that my father had died. He held his wife’s hand until his last breath.

My heart was breaking. Such love and such grief. The family lost a husband and a father. However, Jesus assures that those who cry are blessed. “Blessed are the sorrowful,” says Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:4). The Lord does not say that suffering and sadness are good. Instead, He says that God’s mercy and goodness are shown to those who need them most. Those who are grieving because of the death of a loved one or even because of their own sinfulness need God’s attention and support more than others. The Lord Jesus promises: “They will be comforted” (v. 4).

God comes to meet us, His beloved children (v. 9). He blesses us in our tears.

Where have you encountered sadness in your own life or in the lives of others? How does Jesus’ promise of blessing change your perspective on grief?

God, I was overcome with pain and sadness. Please help me feel Your blessing even in my tears.

Author: Wynn Collier