Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4 NIV
It may sound odd, but mourning is a positive emotion. Typically, we think of mourning with the loss of someone we love, but it can be any significant change in our life. The end of a job, relationship, friendship are also reasons to mourn. However, unless we take the time to grieve, we do not allow ourselves an opportunity to process the loss and celebrate the good memories.
The fully human Jesus understood the importance of grief. Upon becoming aware of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew to be alone later; we hear he wept at Lazarus' tomb. He also was grieved that God's message fell on deaf ears. But Christ also knew God would provide comfort to us in those times of loss.
Compassionate God, thank you for your comfort in our mourning. Please give us the courage to grieve. Help us process the loss and remember the good memories with fondness. Then, please give us the strength to carry on when time. We pray this in the name of your fully human and fully divine son Jesus. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Psalms 30:5 NIV
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