John 16:22
So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
With Jesus, our joy is permanent. We never need to lose that joy. But for me, there are times when it is difficult for me to access that joy. Maybe because I am always after a good feeling. Maybe joy is not always a feeling? Maybe sometimes it is a knowledge, an understanding, a truth which we hold and can access no matter how we happen to feel at that moment. I will admit, I prefer the type of joy that washes over me, and brings me to a bright and clear place where I am certain God is very near. But joy may be more than that, and may be even more accessible. Could joy be accessible to us at any time?
Holy Lord, today your Word has opened my mind and heart to a new thing. I will think on this, and revisit Jesus’ words to his disciples. I am so thankful. Amen
Becky, transforming
Tuesday, September 17th, 2024
John 16:22
So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.
So as we continue to be transformed, we realize God’s way is different, certainly not the world’s way. The world says real joy is in making more money this year than you did last year, you need a bigger home than the one you’re living in now. You’ve got to lose weight and get a makeover. That if you aren’t happy with your marriage you should ditch the one and find another. But the world’s way to joy is really no joy at all. Wouldn’t it be wonderful…
John 16:22
Jesus’ words were surely difficult to hear and frightening for the disciples who had come to love Him. Yet, a critical part of His message was that He would send us the Holy Spirit and would return Himself someday. Their separation from Jesus, and hence their grief, was forced on them by the circumstances of God’s plan of salvation for humankind. Today, believers have the Holy Spirit in us and the only time we experience the grief of separation from Jesus is when we ourselves fall to temptation on our own volition. There is joy to be found in forgiveness, but it is easier to keep one’s heart clean and remain in the joy of relationship with our…