JoySample

DAY 7: GRIEF TURNS TO JOY

It’s hard to conceive what the disciples were feeling when Jesus said these words to them. Their friend, their leader, their protector was no longer going to be physically with them, but instead was going to be publicly crucified and then taken away from this earth. I can only imagine the fear they must have felt. As disciples of Jesus they would be persecuted, and would no longer have their Savior physically with them for guidance or comfort. I imagine their confusion as they questioned why He, the bread of life, would have to endure such a painful death, when all He had done was please the Father. And most vividly, I imagine their pure grief, as they prepared to mourn their friend. 

They would need to go through a time where the whole world would rejoice, while they were in sadness. How many times have we found ourselves in a painful situation and wondered if anyone cared what we were going through? How many times have we gone to friends in search of comfort only to be made feel as though our situation were insignificant? Jesus understood. He said to them, “now is your time of grief.” In other words, “I understand that this hurts.” 

Perhaps for someone reading this, now is a time of grief. Maybe all the people around you have failed to recognize the depth or the importance of what happened to you. Maybe they diminish it or make it seem like less. If that is the case, I hope you feel the sweet words of Jesus as He says to you that a joy is coming that no one will be able to take away. You see, Jesus’ acceptance of our grief is only the first step of how He heals and comforts us. He recognizes it, but He does not intend for us to grieve forever. The next part is even more powerful. It is when He assures us that our grieving makes way for beautiful, lasting joy. 

The more I learn about Jesus, the more I am convinced that His intention is for our joy to be complete. All He desires is for us to live a life that is abundant and whole. But that doesn’t mean that times of grief would not still be a part of life. He compares it to the process of a woman giving birth. I, personally, have not experienced this first hand yet, but I have never once heard of it being pleasant! It’s one of the most physically painful and exhausting experiences a human being can endure. Yet, every mother who I’ve ever spoken to says the same thing after it’s over: it was worth it. The pain is intense, and grueling, and in many cases even dangerous.

But after all, it is temporary, and the bundle of joy you take home afterwards is permanent, and no one can take it away from you. In the same way, we will grieve many times in our lives. We were never promised a perfect existence. However, the promise we were given is that there is always a blessing at the end of the time of grief; and that once we have received it, it is ours to keep, to love, and to enjoy.

Thoughts for Meditation: 

Have I taken my grief to the Lord? Have I allowed myself to be open and vulnerable with my sadness in His presence? Have I doubted that my sadness is important to Jesus? Have I felt that I would be judged, quieted, or turned away? Have I ever considered that my pain could be bringing forward great joy? 

Prayer:

Today, in your own words take some time to talk to Jesus about your time of grief. Lay every burden and worry at His feet, and allow Him to comfort you. Psalm 34:8 says the Lord is near to the broken-hearted. As you go to Him now, ask for His presence to be near you as you receive healing for your heart.