"Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted."

                            -Matthew 5:4 

As we saw in yesterday's devotion, the word "blessed" generally means "happy" when found in Scripture. To some, then, this beatitude may seem paradoxical. After all, if you are mourning, that is an indication that you are not happy, right? In some ways this may be true; but a child of God can retain their joy even in the midst of life's darkest nights. How? Because we are not alone. As Christ says in this verse, "we shall be comforted."

The depths of this promise are nearly indescribable. Those who mourn for sin can be comforted in confession. Those who mourn because of life's various hardships can be comforted by the sweet peace of God that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). No matter the reason for our sorrow, or the magnitude of our sorrow, we have it in writing that God will be there every step of the way, comforting us and helping us through.

"Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." 

                                -II Corinthians 1:4

Christian or not, we will all go through difficult times in life. But the child of God has the promise of comfort in those times - not only for our benefit, but for the benefit of others. When we understand what it means to be comforted, we will be able to comfort others as well, and hopefully lead them to the ultimate Comforter in the process (John 15:26). (And just to clear up any confusion, I'm not referring to a nice bed.)

God comforts those who are cast down (II Corinthians 7:6). If you fit that description, cast all your care upon Him. He cares for you (I Peter 5:7).