Have you ever wanted a "do over"? Today's New York Times tells the story of the 14th unassisted triple play in major league history. Monday night, the Cleveland Indians' second baseman caught a line drive as runners on first and second took off. He touched second base for the second out, and tagged the runner from first for the third out. It's the rarest feat in baseball. He was so excited, as he ran from the field he threw the ball into the stands. That's a baseball he'd like to have back. I'll bet you know the feeling.
We're learning to find the kind of happiness only God can give. Nine decisions position us to receive all that his grace offers. As we learned yesterday, the first is to be "poor in spirit" (Matthew 5:3), admitting our desperate need for God's mercy and help. When last did you confess to your Father that you don't know how to live your life, and put him at the controls? What's the last important decision you gave to him first? The last problem you trusted to him in prayer? The last time you did what he said, even though you didn't understand? Would an objective observer say that God is your King or you are?
Now Jesus gives us our next step: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4). According to Greek scholar Fritz Rienecker, the word translated "mourn" means "to grieve with a grief which so takes possession of the whole being that it cannot be hid." Jesus assumes that we will all face such suffering. He does not say that we are blessed "if" we mourn but when we do.
How can it be that our mourning will always be comforted? It seems to me that the first beatitude makes possible the second. If we admit our need of God, turning our problem and pain over to him, he can comfort us. If we will not, he cannot.
What is causing you grief or sadness this morning? If sins are burdening your soul, give them to your Father and claim his comfort: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
If you are grieving the loss of one you love, trust your pain to the One who wept at the grave of Lazarus (John 11:35) and thank Jesus that those who believe in him never die (John 11:26). If you are suffering physical pain, put your struggle in the hands of the Great Physician and know that he will heal you physically, spiritually, or both. If you are facing economic challenges or family struggles or vocational difficulties, give them to your Father and claim his promise to supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). The ball is in your hands. Choose wisely.
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