Choose Joyنموونە

DAY 5 – GRIEF TO JOY

Reflection: Before he went to the cross, Jesus tried to prepare his followers for the loss and trauma they would experience when he was arrested, crucified, and hurriedly buried. He also hinted at his resurrection, such as in the passage above. They didn’t really get the message.

Jesus knew what it meant to be human and understood that no matter how well we prepare for the challenges of life, they still hurt. This capacity we have to suffer is the same capacity we have to experience joy.

Notice how Jesus acknowledges their grief. He doesn’t ask them not to grieve or tell them they have nothing to worry about. Just the opposite: ‘you will weep and mourn … you will grieve, but … (John 16:20 NIV).’

A joy-strengthened life is not one without trouble and pain. Instead, it’s a life that knows that when we experience these things, we’re still connected to joy. A joy no one can take away. The joy that flows directly from the One who defeated the grave.

Choose joy: When you have the opportunity to comfort someone experiencing heartache, don’t deny their suffering. Be present with them in it, and be the connection to the One who said, … 'I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.' (John 16:22 NIV)