Devo, John

Turning Your Sorrow Into Joy

Turning Your Sorrow Into Joy

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Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. — John 16:19-22

Sometimes sorrow is so overwhelming that all we see is the sorrow. The emotional experience is so powerful that future joy seems impossible and unattainable. But notice the contrast Jesus makes. He declares that sorrow is momentary, but joy remains. And this is true because the joy the Lord gives has a lasting and ongoing effect. The only problem we have is believing this, especially when we are right in the middle of sorrow, and we cannot see the future joy. And this is exactly what Jesus is trying to tell these men who are filled with sorrow — He is shouting, "Future joy is coming!"

But again, you and I get to read this text in light of the resurrection. We know that Jesus defeated sin and death and has given us all joy.

So because we know this, something these men did not know, why in your sorrow do you hold so tightly to the sorrow?

Cast off your sorrow; it's only worldly sorrow, which is no sorrow at all. Joy has come to you and the world. Live in the joy of Jesus's resurrection. Sin and death have been defeated, and this is joy enough in this sorrowful world.

ASK THIS:

  1. What is holding you back from embracing the joy that Jesus's resurrection brings, even in the midst of your deepest sorrow? How can you begin to see beyond your worldly sorrow and live in the joy that Christ offers?
  2. Are you clinging to your sorrow instead of casting it off, as Jesus encourages? How can you practically apply the truth that sorrow is momentary, but joy remains, in your daily walk with the Lord?

DO THIS: See your joy and cast off all sorrow.

PRAY THIS: Lord Jesus, grant me the strength to cast off my worldly sorrow and embrace the everlasting joy found in Your resurrection. Help me to walk daily in this truth, that I may be a beacon of Your love and joy to others. Amen.

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54 thoughts on “Turning Your Sorrow Into Joy”

  4. Rick says:

    How can I stop being a narcissist and toxic to my spouse?

    Is my sorrow over what I’ve done Godly sorrow or worldly sorrow? I’ve been told time and time again that since I conto repeat the same sins over and over that even though I say that I’m sorry and I won’t do it again but I still do, that all I have is worldly sorrow not true repentance or Godly sorrow.
    Rick McMullan
    Frisco, TX

    Reply
  6. Eddie Ackerman says:

    Eddie Ackerman
    Becker, MN

    Love the reminder that we have ETERNAL joy because of His life, death, and resurrection.

    Reply
  7. Damont Goolsby says:

    Your ministry has truly blessed my soul, thank you my brother.
    I would love to have an autographed copy Proverbs!

    Damont Goolsby
    12085 Monter Dr.
    Bridgeton, MO. 63044

    Reply
  10. gonzalo correa says:

    Wonderful devo today brother Vince!

    The enemy is in this world and it steals, kills, and destroys; and when I take my focus off Jesus, my JOY!
    The enemy steps in to steal, kill, and destroy my peace, comfort, joy,… all of the fruit of the Spirit… So, when I have been may aware of this (via Holy Spirit) I turn back to Jesus for more Joy… the process is faster now than earlier in my walk with Him. Praise You Jesus!!!

    Reply
  14. Ruben T Garcia, Sr says:

    There is JOY in the LORD and all sorrow has been defeated. We keep hanging on to it, we need to let it go. Thank you, Vince, for your service to the LORD.
    Ruben T. Garcia, Sr
    Gresham, Oregon

    Reply
  16. Mark Becker says:

    Worland WY
    We are so blessed to know how the Book ends 🙌🙌
    The first followers of Christ had to live on pure faith🙏

    Reply
  17. Marko says:

    Over the last 2 weeks I have been experiencing extreme bouts with physical pain as a result of spiritual warfare. In the midst of it Jesus has been teaching me to count it all joy (initially hard to do but got a lot easier with practice as the trials continued). The most recent round was extreme next pain that radiated up my neck to the top of my head with each heart beat. I prayed though the night since I could not sleep and finally caught a few winks and woke up mostly healed and a day later am almost back to complete normal. Not looking for sympathy but for you all to count it all joy with me! The everlasting joy He brings is just that, and focusing on living with Jesus and other believers in Heaven is what keeps me going. Methinks the trials and tribulations are not over yet, but He is King forever and that is all that matters!!!

    Reply
  22. Rick says:

    Thank you for your words and insight on God’s Word concerning sorrow.
    Seems that sorrow is ruling my life right now and not God.

    Reply
  24. Tim Preuss says:

    Thanks for the great perspective on sorrow and suffering – they truly pale in comparison the hope and joy that are ours in Christ Jesus.
    Tim Preuss
    Seward Nebraska

    Reply
  31. Terry says:

    I have been listening or reading your devotional’s for over two years. Great to wake up and have such an opportunity to have Gods word explained so well Terry Fleming Watertown SD

    Reply
  32. Bob Ingram says:

    I would contend that there are worldly sorrows which are in fact real and life changing. Your statement that worldly sorrow is no sorrow at all is a bit reckless. Did you really mean that?

    Reply
  38. Larry Yurko says:

    So true – we live in a dark and sorrowful world BUT cling to what Jesus has done on the cross for us.

    Cast away the sorrow & cling to His promise ! Blessings of grace & peace, brother Vince !

    Reply
  41. David Morrell says:

    Listening from Summerville, SC for the first time and I’m looking forward to many more! Thanks for your teaching!

    Reply
  45. Joey James Jr says:

    Joey James Jr from Lebanon TN, I’ve been listening to your Devotion every morning for over 2 years now thank you for what you do.

    Reply
    • Greg says:

      Your morning devotionals bring peace to my heart. This one on earthly sorrow is so true!

      Thank you for your ministry..

      Marathon WI

      Reply

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