Jesus. Matthew 5:4. Hi, it’s Nathan, and this is Day 3 of 30 Days on the Mount of Blessing.
Jesus’ words illicit another ripple of stunned faces. ‘Sorrow, a gateway to happiness?’ someone whispers in disbelief. Comfort can only come to those who know sorrow. True, we’d all rather avoid this dark valley, yet the gifts that can come in that valley, are often surprising—even life-changing. Perhaps we come to value others more. Perhaps we make better use of our lives. Perhaps we become kinder, gentler. Perhaps we express grace more often. Perhaps it persuades us to find rest in the great heart of God. Perhaps we take life more seriously. And more. Yet the most powerful piece of Jesus’ declaration, is the promise of personal comfort. Whatever lessons may be gained in the valley of sorrow, the grandest blessing of all: we will feel God’s comforting touch in the darkness. Sorrowing friend, take heart, God is with you, though you may not now see or feel him.
