“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:3-4 (NIV)
We look upon tears and brokenness as painful shards yet God looks at them as glistening diamonds casting an eye of love upon them as He sees what they are used to bring about in us – as painful as they are. Brokenness draws us to Him like none other which is the greatest benefit. Whatever draws us to Him is a blessing and ultimately good. The painful thing that is allowed, if we are willing, God will turn from ashes to beauty. Our groanings turn His heart of love. He knows we live in a broken and fallen world full of sin. Sadly, we so often wallow in it by our own choosing. In a wrong – filled, sin - sick world, suffering is a given. And often we ourselves will cause many a wrongdoing. God desires to heal, comfort, forgive and bring forth blessings. We must always respond in love and look for God’s grace and help in our time of need. While our trials are painful, often breathtakingly so the purpose is the pleasant end they accomplish in our lives bringing much good to us and glory to Him.
Seek to look through God’s eyes, to the end results He longs to see in us and long for that as well. Pruning is always painful. Yet, our cups are to be filled to the brim with the beauty of the Holy Spirit so that when we are jostled only love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control spill out their sweetness. Elisabeth Elliot writes: “Teach me to treat all that come to me with peace of soul and with firm conviction that Your will governs all.” And while He governs all, He tells us in Psalms 84:11: For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.
I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, or his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. Lamentations 3:19-26 (NIV)