My husband's death in 2002 was not expected. We had no prior warning at all. Therefore, as a family, total, devastating shock was our first shared emotion. After this, we did have the comfort of the mutual belief and knowledge that my husband, our children's father, and their children's grandfather was enjoying his heavenly reward in even closer relationship with his God the Father, his Lord Jesus the Son, and his blessed Holy Spirit. Through our time of inevitable and necessary mourning, and now, we are ever comforted by this joyous, blessed fact — he is with his Lord and forever will be so.

Matthew 5:4 – Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted (NIV)

Of course, throughout my life, as well as in the special mourning over the death of my beloved husband, there has been mourning and grief over sins — that deep repentance, sorrow, and heartbreaking disappointment over my own negative conduct. There has also been mourning and grief over different kinds of failure, as well as over disappointing behaviour and attitudes in relationships.

But whomever or whatever our mourning and grief may be about, our supreme Teacher and loving Shepherd calls us blessed.

At the beginning of today's Scripture verse, those who mourn are said to be "blessed", and at the end, they are "comforted". So it is, as we journey through all of our various mournings and grievings. Our tears may be sweet or bitter, but God blesses them all. So, let us feel free to mourn and grieve, and shed our tears in repentance for sin, or for the loss of a beloved one, or in pity, shame, or hurt.

Prayer: Thank You, our Lord Shepherd, that as we come to You with all of our natural emotions, You choose to bless and comfort us. Thank You for the freedom You give us to mourn and grieve as is natural, necessary, and beneficial. May we also, in Your name, be as blessedly merciful, supportive, and honouring to others in their time of mourning. Amen and Amen.

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