The Way to True HappinessSample

Matthew 5:4 — Blessed are those who mourn

Jesus blesses those who mourn. They do not grieve because of life’s sorrows, or because of suffering or loss. They mourn because of the seeming power of God's enemies, and everything that opposes God's holiness and will. They grieve over the damage done to God's creation that leads to death and destruction. They grieve because they are still waiting for the coming of God’s Kingdom. They look forward to the end of the world, when God's majesty and righteousness will be revealed in full glory. They cling to God's Kingdom and His righteousness, and cannot look at the world without being saddened by what they see. They feel like strangers in society as they cannot participate if the Lord’s purposes and His Word are mocked and despised.

It sounds like a contradiction: those who grieve are called blessed. The mourners are seen as happy people, because they are being comforted by the Lord. Jesus recognizes and affirms the true meaning of sorrow, the value of grief that leads you to seek the Lord. If sorrow makes us receptive to God, to His gifts and promises, we will be comforted. God is gracious to all who call on Him in the day of trouble, and He will deliver them (Psalm 50:15). Only those who suffer for the Lord experience true comfort. That is Jesus’ promise for those who mourn. They look forward to the return of the Messiah to this earth. He will redeem them and His salvation will bring joy and comfort. Jesus is aware of His future glory, and He knows the reality of this beatitude. If you believe in Him, you will receive consolation through Him. What could make you happier? I can’t think of anything!