“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

Matthew 5: 4-5

Over the last two months, two friends lost their fathers and then a few weeks ago one of my best life-long friends lost his wife. As an only child, he has no extended family outside of his sons, a stepdaughter, and their grandchildren. I hope to see him later this week, but the last time we spoke he was devastated as he should be.

You have likely experienced a deeply felt sense of grief at some point in your life.  Maybe it was the loss of someone close to you, a broken relationship, or a poor decision that wreaked havoc in your life. Jesus says that those who mourn will be comforted.  We may not experience consolation at every moment today, but if we live lives surrendered to Christ, our longing for healing and forgiveness will be realized.

I am often remnded of a couple of verses from the Psalms –

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18

Weeping may tarry for the night,
but joy comes with the morning.

Psalm 30:5

The next thought is just as counter-intuitive to our way of thinking.  The meek shall inherit the earth? In our world, those who assert themselves over others to further their agendas in their strength succeed, but Jesus reminds us that it is trust in God, not ourselves, that reveals true humility.

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

James 4:7

Let’s not make the mistake of rushing past these verses. Even in our sorrow, we can find comfort in God’s presence and His promises, including the promise of life that never ends for those who put their faith in Christ. And when those who push and shove to gain a better position, remember God sees all and ultimately “the meek will inherit the earth” as we humble ourselves before God.