"The Blesseds": Those Who Mourn

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Matthew 5:4

In this passage, the word mourning can refer to two things: first, a deep sorrow over sin, both personal and corporate-- the mourning over the depravity of man and its hopeless end; second, to grieve over a loss. Strong's concordance gives one definition for the Greek word used (penthountes)as "to grieve over a personal hope that dies".

Infertility is such a grief as this word defines. It is mourning the loss of a dream; it is greiving the idea that our heart may never realize its fondest hope.

Despite our mourning, God promises comfort. This comfort can come in many ways. God sent us comfort in the person and work of Jesus and the life that He provided for us. He also sent the Holy Spirit to speak comfort to our heart through the gentle reminders of God's promises. He also sends us other believers who can speak words of encouragement into our lives and share our burdens with us.

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.   Isaiah 61:1-3

Isaiah says that God has provided freedom for the captives (to sin) and release from darkness. Infertility may have held you captive in its grasp, threatening to destroy you and all you love. Maybe it's more than just infertility-- maybe it's depression, anxiety, a failing marriage... whatever it is, these works of darkness are no match for the power of our loving, delivering God. He promises to comfort all who mourn, provide for all who grieve, and crown them with "His loving kindness and mercy" (Psalm 103:4) He promises them the oil of joy, Jesus-- the "balm of Gilead"-- who soothes and binds up our wounded souls, replacing our despair with a garment of unceasing praise for His goodness and mercy.

Then, those who once could only mourn will become a radiant display of the splendor and beauty of God as they bask in His joy and peace.