Comforted by GodSample

Grief's Conversion to Joy

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

John 16:20

Jesus prepared His disciples for the reality of grief—followed by His guarantee of joy. Jesus was going away, but He promised His followers He would see them again. What a comfort to know the eyes of the Lord are fixed on those He loves. The disciples would feel the pain of loss, but they could anticipate with joy Christ’s return. The deep sorrow experienced at the foot of the cross would be surpassed by the height of joy standing at the empty tomb. Death brings sorrow, but life brings joy. We can smile and rejoice: our Suffering Servant has become our Living Lord!

What grief of yours needs a conversion to joy? You feel grief over a death, but you can trust that the Lord will bring joy back to your life. You feel pain over a prodigal child, but you can still pray for the return of joy to your heart—even if your child doesn’t return. You feel disappointed over unmet expectations, but you can leave your desires in God’s hands. He massages out the toxins of distrust so your joy is able to rehydrate your soul. You feel regret over a ruptured relationship, but you can seek the Lord’s wisdom for relational repair as joy follows your repentance. Rejoicing will follow your mourning.

“They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion…They will be like a well-watered garden, and they will sorrow no more.”

Jeremiah 31:12

Heavenly Father, in my grief I look to You for hope, healing, and peace. When I honestly express my sorrows, I know that You are the Man of Sorrows who transforms my pain into peace. I trust You with my pain so Your love and comfort can turn my sorrow into joy.