Today’s Scripture: Matthew 5:4 MSG: “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
Most of us have heard blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. (KJV)
I used to think this verse was only for those who lost a loved one. Surely God would comfort them but “blessed”? Blessed just because we mourn or because we turn to Him in our mourning?
Having never really read scripture from The Message before, I was touched by this translation. As we mourn the loss of a person, a job, our freedom due to addiction, any other thing we hold “most dear”, ONLY THEN, can we be embraced by the One most dear to us.
Is this what Jesus meant on that Sermon on the Mount? I honestly don’t know but I do know and accept that when I mourn the loss of things I may hold more dear than HIM He does give me unmatchable comfort.
What do you hold most dear?
Today’s Prayer: Heavenly Father You are most dear to me. In my mourning in loss I am thankful for Your comfort and embrace. Hold me close LORD. Draw my heart, mind and soul into Your most dear places. Forgive me LORD when I hold anything or anyone more dear than You. In You alone do I seek comfort. Amen
Tom Raines Jr
Affirmations of God
When I lost my husband and had just become a Christian I was laying in bed crying. I missed my husband terribly and I said, “Lord I just need Your comfort.” Tom, I literally felt His arms around me and I fell asleep in His arms. Yes, He definitely will comfort us and as you said, not just in the loss of a loved one.
What a wonderful testimony Sue! I have been traveling on business more lately and have been out of sync…I have your book with me. To physically feel God’s embrace and the reality of it is a testimony you share that is life changing! Thank you and blessings!!