John 16: 22 “Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see You again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy, no one can take away from you.”
Dear God,
My heart and mind go to You often through the day. Thank You that my faith in You grows a little stronger and it is good to know, that You know all my needs before I ask, and when I allow, I can be filled with joy, throughout all circumstances.
The disciples loved Jesus as a fellow person, apart from His connection to heaven, believing He was the promised Messiah, so naturally they were sad, when He stated, it was time for him to leave them at that time. Most likely the promise that they would have joy that no one could take from them when He returned was not fully understood by them, because like so much about Jesus, it was out of their frame of reference.
The scriptures have many references, that when Jesus comes triumphantly again, sin and death for the redeemed will be forever gone; and sin and death are not in heaven. For those that Jesus takes with from earth, they will experience true joy in praise and exultation toward God, and Jesus who made their redemption from sin and death possible.
However Jesus told His disciples, that they can have joy whilst on earth awaiting His return, John 16: 23 ,24 “………Most assuredly, I say to You, whatever you ask the Father in my name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”
Thank You Jesus, for this statement takes in all men and woman, from when You lived on earth down through all who have lived since Your return to heaven. Forgive me for being so slow to ask for spiritual blessings and for Your intervention and direction in my every day affairs. For Your promises are there for believing and receiving; which means me.
David the shepherd boy, who grew up to be Your anointed king can also serve as our example in that he had experienced Your joy here on earth, Psalm 16: 11 “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Today I choose to make You first and last and best in all areas of my life, and know that I then will be filled with Your peace and joy, that no man can take away from me.
Amen