Grief turned to joy
by Pastor Jim Strelan
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy (John 16:20).
Read John 16:16–33
When someone we love leaves us – whether that means going away so that contact is restricted or death – we are left feeling empty. We think of all the times we spent together, and now there is a void. It’s as though everything has collapsed, and we are left with this indescribable grief. Some of you know what that is like.
Jesus tells his disciples things that are hard for them to grasp. He tells them he will be going away, and they will feel sad. He could be referring to a number of things, but I suspect he is referring to his upcoming death. For them, it will be that the exhilarating last three years will now seem just like a dream. They will weep and mourn – mostly for themselves and their loss, which we all tend to do when we lose someone. But their sadness will turn to joy. He compares it to a mother giving birth. Pain gives way to joy. Jesus alludes to his resurrection when the disciples’ emotions will be turned upside down. What was an emptiness will become a fullness. Jesus could also be referring to his eventual leaving this earth and the coming of the Spirit. Either way, the end game is joy.
While Jesus’ words have specific meanings for specific events, it’s appropriate for us to understand these words for a grieving situation we might find ourselves in. It tells us about Jesus. He is true, he is constant, he cares, and he provides. Whatever the nature of our grief, he doesn’t leave us to just wallow in it. Grief can turn to joy because he is in our grief. And with Jesus, there is always newness and ever-presence.
Psalm 30:5b reminds us: ‘Weeping may remain for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.’
It’s hard to see joy when grief casts its shadow on me. Help me, Lord Jesus, to trust your promise that you are always with me, and when you are with me, there is always a new day. Amen.
Pastor Jim is a retired pastor living on Brisbane Northside. He served in Papua New Guinea and as school pastor in several schools and congregations with schools. Jim is married to Ruth, and they have three children and seven grandchildren, who Jim loves unconditionally. He loves to share the gospel as simply and clearly as he can.
- Click here to read previous devotions.
- We are also posting them on LCA Facebook, making it easy for you to share them with family and friends.
- Sign up to receive Daily Devotion in your inbox every morning. If you’re already doing that, please encourage others to sign up. Click here for the link.
