Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4
I had a long visit with my granddaughter a few days ago. I was asking about her classes in school. She said her least favorite subject was her social studies class. When I asked her why, “Because I don’t like watching the news.” My understanding is that every day, the class watches CNN 10. Basically it is the days news in 10 minutes. When I asked her to explain further, her response was, “I am just a kid Gigi. I am not ready to be an adult.” As we talked more it became clear that my granddaughter was forced to grow up too fast the last couple of years. She talked about Covid, tornadoes, hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, angry people, violence, all things that she can’t control. The fear and the sadness in her eyes broke my heart. In the course of the conversation she said, “Gigi, I am twelve years old, I don’t get to be a kid much longer. I want to enjoy it.”
As I sat in the darkness that evening, I thought about the condition of this world. Sin has defaced and distorted God’s creations, God’s truth and God’s love. The world my grandchildren are growing up in, is in such turmoil. And I mourn for all the children. I mourn for those who do not know God. I mourn for those who have rejected God. I mourn as a result of my own shortcomings. I mourn for my country. I mourn for the homeless. I mourn. I know that I am not the only one who mourns for the lost innocence, a simpler time. It is this state of mourning that brings me to my knees for my children, my grandchildren, my friends, my country. It is the realization that sin is running rampant in this world that keeps me praying daily for those I love, those I encounter and those who are hurting in this world.
But, when I pour out my heart to God, when I acknowledge my failings, when I offer Him my tears, I find comfort in His Presence. I experience His peace. And I know that no matter what is going on in the world, God is in control. God is aware of everything that has happened, that is happening, that will happen. And I find comfort in knowing that no matter how much sin I see in the world, no matter how crazy things may become; I know the one who holds it all in His Hands.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
