Friend, are you mourning today?
It’s an odd question to just ask… but let’s be real. How are you?
Last night, I read Matthew 5:4:
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
And it immediately brought to mind those in my life who are mourning, whether it would be the loss of a job, of a relationship, or because of a death. Just on Thursday, five people were killed by Boko Haram (source).
Mourning is such a real, raw, thing… a thing most people never want to experience and have trouble with comforting those who are mourning. It is a messy, hard thing.
Here is the good news: While we may want to run away from it, God runs into it, determined to comfort those of us who are mourning.
He is not afraid of the pain.
He is not deterred by anything.
It reminds me of when Jesus’ friend Lazarus passes away and there is weeping and wailing from everyone (John 11:17-44). Jesus did not avoid the weeping; He Himself wept for Lazarus even though He had the power to keep Lazarus from dying, and to resurrect Lazarus.
He ended up resurrecting Lazarus. But all of this comforted me and showed me this: Jesus is near to us in everyday, season, and emotion of life. He is the One and Only God, the God who can handle the pain of this world. And if we come to know Him, He promises to be the One to comfort us… if only we run toward Him, and not away from Him.
One practical way He comforts people is through His People. Through that Godly friend who picks up the phone in the middle of the night to comfort their friend. The pastor that sits and allows a person to unload on them. That Christian nurse with caring, compassionate bedside manner.
Hundreds of thousands of people have died of COVID-19 (source). Thousands of people are grieving the loss of their daughters and sons to Boko Haram; others are mourning the fact that they were raped, and/or that the Nigerian government seems not to care for its own people. This list of reasons for mourning in Nigeria could go on, but it is up to God’s people to pray over them and help them as much as possible.
Our God Lovingly runs into our darkest night of the soul and comforts us. He is worthy of our worship and imitation. May this comfort you, today, friend.
Do you know Jesus?
Jesus came to this messed-up world over 2,000 years ago. Because of this, we can live forever! Learn more about this good news, here.
Please pray for (find the prayer sheet here)…
- Those who are mourning for any reason.
- Their loved ones, that they would be given wisdom on how to love their mourning friends, family, and loved ones. You can help those in Nigeria by giving to Open Doors.
- The local church. That Jesus would use us to comfort those in mourning.
Thank you for your prayers!!!
ISAIAH 62 PRAYER MINISTRY 