Daily Devotional
We Are Blessed Through Pain
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Matthew 5:4
May 9, 2024
Ponder This
The world would never say those who mourn are blessed. The world would say the opposite. Blessed are those who never have to cry. Blessed are those who never mourn. We have an idea that if we could go through life without ever crying, without any sorrow, without any pain, without any heartache, and without any moan and groan, it would be wonderful. But that’s not so.
Jesus says those who mourn are blessed. Many believe if we could just arrange conditions where we never have any sorrow, never have any pain, never have any hurts, then we could just change men. If we can change conditions, we can change character. But that isn’t what the Bible teaches. I want to remind you that Man fell in a perfect environment, in the Garden of Eden. You couldn’t have a better environment than that, and it still wasn’t enough. The world emphasizes condition; God emphasizes character.
- Where are you searching for the perfect conditions in your life? How are you tempted to believe this will lead to happiness?
- What are some conditions in your life right now that feel broken? How can God work even in those circumstances?
Practice This
Share with a fellow Christian some conditions you are struggling with and pray together for God to show you how He is at work in those situations.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
