You are sad now. I will see you again and then your hearts will be full of joy. No one can take your joy from you.

Do you find yourself searching for hope amidst your pain and suffering? In today’s verse, Jesus tried to show the disciples that they were about to encounter trials, hardship, and dark times to come. Jesus’ crucifixion was drawing near, and so he tries to prepare the disciples for what they are about to experience. He knew that the friends that he loved so much would plunge into deep sorrow in a few short hours.

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The grief that the disciples were about to face was approaching fast. Yet, they were not able to understand how excruciating the next few days would be or how that experience would be transformed into inexpressible joy. Jesus gives the disciples this hope and assurance when he says, “I will see you again and then your hearts will be full of joy.”

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And, in fact, after the tragedy they experienced in Jesus’ crucifixion, the disciples could not be contained in sharing their joy-filled testimony of the resurrection! The disciples went out and preached the gospel everywhere, to many nations, undeterred by the risks. The cost for many of these disciples was high and led to great suffering in the name of Christ, with many of them even being martyred for their faith.

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I don’t know about you, but this really makes me reflect on the cost of discipleship. This joy the disciples experienced in sharing the testimony of Jesus’ resurrection was something they were so sure of that they were willing to endure death because of it. It was a joy so sure and so strong within them, that it was a joy no one could take from them, just as Jesus had promised. What would it look like if we shared the bold, passionate faith that the disciples had for Christ?

The pain, suffering, hardships, and challenges we face are real experiences, too. These experiences have so much potential to impact us; forming and shaping the way we walk in our daily lives, our relationships with others, and our relationship with Jesus. We can just try to forget these experiences, or we can use them. Whether it be a loss, a traumatic event, or challenges faced in your relationships with a partner, friends, or family, through these experiences we can reflect on the difficult elements and also look for the opportunities these experiences have for sowing the seeds of joy in our hearts.  

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Because through the darkness, Jesus continues to walk with us in our lives, reassuring us of his unfailing love. We may not know of the difficulties that are about to arise in our lives or what the future brings, but in those times, we can trust that Jesus will guide us. Our source of joy – Jesus himself - can be something we are so confident in, that no one can take it away from us.

Jesus, the beautiful depth of your love for us endures forever. You are my greatest source of encouragement and strength. When I’m feeling discouraged or an overwhelming sense of sadness in my heart, I ask that you blanket my heart with your warm loving-kindness. Help me to remember that my joy comes within, my relationship with you, not the external life around me. In your name I pray, Amen.