In the middle of this lockdown, some good things have happened. For example, many have rediscovered the value of friendship, family, community, church and each other. But more importantly many are encountering, re-encountering and or prioritizing their relationship with God. At the same time, some not-so-good things have also happened. For example, addictions, the divorce rate, domestic violence, and suicides are on the rise. The funny thing about life is that one day you can feel as though you’re on top of the world and in an instant your life gets turned upside down. One day you can be celebrating and the next you’re grieving. One night you go to bed with a smile on your face the next night you lay down with tears in your eyes. One day you celebrate and another day you mourn.

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

In most cases, mourning is attributed to a loss, such as the loss of life, the loss of a relationship, the loss of health and even the loss of time and money. Sometimes we mourn for our own past mistakes and sins but in most cases, we associate mourning with death. As Benjamin Franklin once wrote, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes”. Well I do not consider myself to be anywhere close to Benjamin Franklin’s level of intelligence but on this one he was partially wrong. Yes, death and taxes may be unavoidable parts of life but in this world, you can be certain that God cares about those who mourn and he wants to comfort them. 

It’s been said that time heals all wounds, I’m not sure if that’s true. Time may heal some wounds but only God can heal all wounds. So, when you feel like you’ve lost that which is most dear to you, remember that you are blessed, because only then can you be fully embraced by the ONE who is most dear to you. As the Apostle Peter who spent three years with Jesus wrote, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”