Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Mourning is by its very nature an unpleasant experience. It means something bad has happened and the one mourning is in emotional pain. Jesus is not saying that mourning is good but rather the result is good. Those who mourn will be comforted. Being comforted by God is very good.
There are many reasons to mourn. Some are selfish and we cannot expect God to comfort us when we are being self-centered. An example of selfish mourning that I experienced was a deep sadness over someone else getting the promotion at work that I wanted. However, when I repented of my selfishness God quickly comforted me with the knowledge that He had a plan for me and would always provide for my needs.
God gives comfort in many ways. Sometimes He sends someone to you to provide the hug and/or listening ear that you need. When mourning the loss of a loved one who has passed away God may comfort you with the assurance you will see them again in heaven. When we mourn because of our own sin God will comfort us by reminding us that after repentance our sins are forgiven and He remembers them no more (Hebrews 8:12).
One of the most common ways God comforts is just to give you a sense of peace and joy that He is with you. In many ways this is the best because we can feel God working in our hearts. There is a realization that God is doing something very intimate and special within our very spirit.
God’s comfort is both present and future. God does comfort us now as I just mentioned but He also promises that one day that He will wipe away every tear and there will be no more pain and suffering (Revelation 7:17 & 21:4). Not only can that promise be comforting during our struggles and mourning now but it gives us hope for a future paradise where life will be as God originally intended it.
Dear God, thank You for the comfort that You provide. Open our hearts that we may feel Your peace and your joy.