Good Grief

Can anything good come from grief? From mourning a deep loss? From weeping over a profoundly heavy heartache?

While grief is a necessary part of life, no one longs to grieve. But in the second beatitude—a series of promises Jesus made about God’s Kingdom—Jesus said this:

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

No one can appreciate rain more than someone who’s lived in the desert. No one can value food more than someone who’s truly been starving. And no one can know God as their Comforter like someone who’s desperately needed comfort.

Death, decay, and disappointment are a part of this world. But even in our sorrow and suffering, God stands ready to comfort us—in unique and meaningful ways that only He can.

The Holy Spirit is often called the “Comforter,” as well as “Helper,” “Counselor,” and “Advocate.” This is who He is. Even in our grief, He’s the God who meets us right...