John 16:22

New International Version (NIV)

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.

For meditation

1. Have you taken the time to read how Jesus assured His disciples of His resurrection before going to the cross (Jn. 16:19-22)?
2. Was it not comforting for the disciples to hear that His resurrection would restore their joy?
3. But, before then, did they not have to suffer grief with their Master through the Passion Week?
4. Did Jesus fail them? Didn’t they see Him again and rejoice after His resurrection?
5. Are we not His disciples too?
6. Is it strange that we too have to go through grief, “while we wait for the blessed hope – the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13)?
7. Have you meditated on the analogy Jesus gave of a woman in travail and the joy that comes with the child’s birth (Jn. 16:21)?
8. Isn’t it comforting to feel  the warmth of His word?
9. With all the pain and suffering we experience in this world, doesn’t it warm your heart that your grief will end when Jesus comes for His church (1 Thess. 4:13-18)? Will it not end your anguish (Jn. 16:21)?
10. Just reflect on this promise: “Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy” (22). Isn’t that wonderful?
11. So, what’s your situation today? Does it not make your time of grief, bearable?
12. Why, then, can’t you comfort yourself with this promise, as you confront persecution, rejection, material lack, sicknesses, or the loss of a dear one?
13. Even as we wait for the rapture, why can’t you behold the glory of God “in the face of Jesus” and be comforted (2 Cor. 4:6)?

I pray you remember in your pain and grief that “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Cor.4: 17).

So, be hopeful in your suffering, for “Weeping may stay for the night but rejoicing comes in the morning” (Ps. 30:5).

Shalom