Defiant JoyÀpẹrẹ

No More Tears

The book of Revelation tells us: “‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

Someday, death itself will die. We will no longer grieve evil because God will eliminate it. Not only will he remove our guilt, but he will wash away our trauma and shame.

James, a disciple of Jesus, writes, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4).

But James doesn’t say, “Feel joy right now.” He says, “Count it all joy.” That means count on joy, be assured of joy, and remember that joy is just around the corner. While the Spirit will work steadfastness in us throughout our lives, it will never reach full effect until Christ returns or we go home to him. “Blessed is the one who perseveres,” James concludes, because they “will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12). In that place, we will be perfect, complete, and lacking nothing.

This anticipation of joy, this expectation of heaven, gives us comfort in the here and now. Like a weary traveler, we can walk a little farther knowing that a safe bed and a hot meal are just a little farther up the road. Like a wounded soldier on the battlefield, we can hang in there, knowing that war is over, victory is secured, and our Rescuer is on his way.

Jesus himself promises, “You have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you” (John 16:22).

When will our hearts rejoice? When we see Jesus again! He assures us that though we have sorrow now, we’ll experience eternal joy later. We’ll shed tears now but laugh later. We’ll miss him now, but there’s a celestial celebration coming when we’ll be united with him forever.

Lord, you will one day wipe away every tear from my eyes. Even in the darkest times, I live with this hope! Amen.

We hope this plan encouraged you. Learn more about Defiant Joy by Jennifer Michelle Greenberg here.