So also you have sorrow now (John 16:22)
Joy fulfilled somehow makes the pain, suffering and waiting worthwhile. Many women in the biblical narrative lived lives of broken heartedness, despair and unfulfilled dreams. Among them were: Isaac's mom Sarah; Samuel's mom Hannah; John's mom Elizabeth. Yet as soon as their prayers, to be blessed with a baby of their own, were answered the years of anguish and waiting faded in comparison to the joy they experienced holding their baby in their arms and knowing they played a special role in God's plan.
Have you noticed the visible change on the face of a person who decides to become a disciple of Jesus? After living in bondage to sin, the joy of beginning a journey with Jesus has an immediate affect. When the weight of sin is lifted it can often be seen in a new and joyous facial expression.
Our Scripture verse today foretells of a time when all that is wrong will not only be made right but it will be as though it never happened. Take a moment to think of the troubles and disappointments you have experienced. Maybe you are in a period of suffering right now. Imagine the day when the memory and all of the impact of this terrible time will be gone and joy will take its place. Not only that, the joy we will experience when Jesus returns is a joy that cannot be taken away under any circumstances.
When I think about the future joy we will enjoy I begin to long for that day. I could do without any more sickness, financial struggles, disappointments, broken relationships etc. It is almost unimaginable that a day is coming so filled with joy, that nothing or no one can ever take our joy from us throughout eternity.
Every person in the world shares in the experience of pain, suffering and conflict. It is our privilege to let people know that every life story can have a happy ending. Joy is a byproduct of their story finding a place in God's great story. But this is only the beginning because there is a joy coming that never gets taken away. Let's commit to pray, give and go so 2024 is a year when many people discover the joy of being a disciple of Jesus.