John 16:16-22
Be Still: Lord, make me aware of your presence here with me. Thank you that your Word is alive and breathing; would you use it to speak to me now. Amen
Read: John 16:16-22
You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. 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. (vv20-22)
Encounter: ‘What does he mean?’ I like to imagine the disciples were quite often found whispering these kinds of questions at the back whilst Jesus spoke. Not quite sure about what he’s just said but too afraid to ask him directly. And who can blame them? I spend a lot of my time with Jesus confused about what he’s saying and doing.
In their confusion, Jesus offers little in the way of clear answers (as usual) but does offer them hope for the future. Whilst they might not understand his leaving now, and they may have a period of feeling abandoned, a time is coming soon when their grief will turn to joy. Hope on the horizon. I love this picture of a woman in labour, a time of pain, struggle, and anxiety - and yet all that changes the instant the child is born. Joy beyond joy is hers.
There will be times where we sit in moments or seasons of grief, pain, and anxiety -- perhaps feeling abandoned and confused by Jesus. But the promise is the same for us as it was for the early disciples. Ultimately joy is coming, and it will not be taken away. We look ahead to the fulfilling of our ever-present hope -- Jesus Christ's return to us.
‘There may be weeping in the night, but joy comes in the morning.’ (Psalm 30:5)
Apply: Where have you let momentary fear or present anxiety rob you of the hope to come? Take a moment to remind yourself that Jesus’ promises still stand firm. He does not leave us abandoned and full of questions but invites us to lift our eyes to the joy found in him.
Devote: Jesus, lift my eyes from my momentary struggles and help me to fix them on you. Remind me that there is always hope and joy found in you.
