Today’s Affirmation: I find comfort in God’s embrace.
This week I am seeking reflection on the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 as they relate to the recovery process. Most of us had 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 this morning: “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.”
So as we mourn the loss of a person, a job, our freedom due to addiction, any other thing we hold “most dear” to us, 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 He does give me comfort that I can not find anywhere else. I am so thankful for His embrace that holds me and brings me comfort.
- Have you ever faced mourning and grief?
- Have you felt comfort in God’s embrace?
- Is there something you hold on to so tightly that it prevents you from welcoming God’s embrace?
- Can you let go and just open your arms for His embrace?
Do you have any additional thoughts regarding Matthew 5:4? I am feeling blessed by the embrace of the One I hold most dear.
Tom Raines
Christian Affirmations 4 Life
I love the Message version, I forget how much until reminded.
The verse would surly include mourning for any of the things you mentioned.
Loss includes mourning. It just does. And loss is a part of life.
I remember in my 20’s when I went through the first huge loss in my life someone told me: “When you feel you have nothing left that’s when you find out that God is enough”
I’ve returned to that truth over and over throughout the years and find it’s true…
I’m thinking about the question…is there something I’m holding onto that keeps me from God’s embrace…right now, I don’t think so. But I’m open to Him showing me if I’m missing something…
Thinking of you and Nana this morning…
Thanks Robin, Nana had a “good” day yesterday. She actually sat in a chair for first time in a couple of weeks. I am struggling with trusting God’s will and praying she was with Him! May His will be done.
Thanks Friend- keep painting.