Jesus Christ reminds us in Matthew 5:4 (NLT), “God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” This verse speaks to a profound truth that often gets overlooked in our fast-paced world. Many of us have been so incredibly blessed in life that it’s hard to fathom what it’s like to deal with physical, mental, or emotional pain day in and day out. But for countless people, that struggle is their daily reality. They wake up, facing their battles, pushing through the pain just to make it to the next moment.
Life doesn’t always play fair. Some seem to skate through, while others are weighed down by heavy burdens. When we’ve been blessed enough to avoid life’s significant trials, God sometimes brings us close to those who are suffering. This isn’t just a random encounter; it’s an opportunity to reflect on our own blessings. It’s a chance to develop a deep well of gratitude for the moments we often take for granted.
When we sit with those who are mourning, we begin to see life through a different lens. Their pain opens our eyes to the raw, unfiltered truth of human experience. It reminds us that our blessings are not just about abundance but also about perspective. We can find comfort in knowing that those who mourn will ultimately be comforted, and the promise of God assures us of this.
The Lord granted me an eye-opening moment to reflect on my blessings recently. I found myself feeling impatient and ungrateful, frustrated that my prayers and fasts didn’t seem to be bringing about the changes I was longing for. In my anger, I stepped back from seeking God in the way He truly deserves.
Then one day, while chatting with a coworker, she shared that her birthday had just passed. It hit me hard when she revealed that she wasn’t celebrated by her family—no one wished her a happy birthday, and she didn’t even get a cake. She broke down as she spoke, telling me she cried herself to sleep that night. But what struck me even more was when she said, “Crying is nothing new for me; I cry myself to sleep every night.”
In that moment, my heart ached for her. Here I was, feeling sorry for myself, while she was battling a loneliness that cut deep. Her pain snapped me back to reality, reminding me of the countless blessings I had been overlooking. It was a humbling experience that shifted my perspective entirely. Instead of focusing on what I felt I lacked, I began to see how rich my life truly was. God was using her story to pull me out of my selfishness and back into gratitude.
Psalms 34:18 (NLT) beautifully reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” What a privilege it is to know that such profound love is available to us from the Creator of the universe! His love for us is all-consuming, wrapping around us in our most vulnerable moments.
My coworker, who isn’t close to God, doesn’t know how to tap into this kind of love. That realization hit me hard. Here I was, blessed with the understanding of God’s unwavering presence, while she navigated her pain without that anchor. As Christians, we are more than blessed to have every detail of our lives mapped out by a loving God who cares about us deeply.
Psalm 34:10 (NLT) says, “Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.” This powerful verse reminds us that the condition for experiencing God’s abundant blessings is trust in Him. Our faith must be continually strengthened, and it’s crucial to self-examine where we stand in our faith and gratitude. This honest reflection is the key to unlocking all the blessings He has for us.
God is perfect beyond perfection; He can never fail us. The challenge lies in aligning ourselves with Him, not expecting Him to conform to our ways. When we trust Him fully, we open ourselves to the fullness of His provision. Just as He promises, those who place their trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.
This privilege comes with a responsibility. We need to do better—to remain humble and thankful, always recognizing the goodness of God in our lives. Let’s carry that awareness with us, not just for our own sake, but to share the hope and love we’ve found with others who are still searching. We are called to be a light in the darkness, reflecting the love that has transformed us, and encouraging those around us to seek the same closeness with our Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Beyond Blessed”, written by KLizzie, edited by Rev. Fran Mack and Kim Times, for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.