JOHN 16:20

Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.

TO PONDER

Turning grief to joy…how cool. But is it possible? 

You’ll know that one of my interest, which often appears in my writing, is sport. Sport is one of those things where grief can quickly turn into joy. 

From having a lousy round of golf, until your chip or putt unexpectedly goes in the hole. From chasing leather all day in 45-degree heat, until the final over of the cricket match, when the bowler takes three wickets. From being behind all game in basketball, until the final second when someone lands a three-pointer. 

In these circumstances, the day hadn’t been going well. Mentally you had given up. You knew there was no way you would win from the position you were in…and yet, somehow you did. From feeling awful, to feeling fantastic. 

This is also a reminder of what happens for people of faith after our time on earth is over. This text is sometimes used at funerals. For people of faith, a funeral of a loved one is a sad time. It most certainly is a time for grieving, but there is also a hint of rejoicing. You won’t feel like rejoicing, but you will know that the promise from God is that you will see that person again.     

PRAYER:Comforter of all, thank you for emotions. Thank you that we can express how we feel, and that you have provided ways and people to help us deal with those emotions. Thank you for being a relational God. Amen  

Today's devotion written by Mark Simpfendorfer, LifeWay Epping