Gospel

Complete Joy

by Roland Crim
12/20/16
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“Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” John 16:22 and 24b NIV

Even we who are Christians face times of grief: the passing away of a relative or friend, an unforeseen event that dramatically alters the course of our life. We cannot totally avoid grief, nor should we expect to do so. Grief is an emotion of life. When we turn to the Lord with our moments of grief, and seek His comfort, He truly will take care of us and enable us to work through the grief. We can then feel again the joy that only Christ can provide. This joy never really left us. It was just dormant, enveloped temporarily by grief, or other emotions which we must experience in life. How can we be sure of this fact? Well, read what the Lord said in the above: “and no one will take away your joy.” The joy which the Lord provides is different from the so-called joy that the world provides. The Lord’s joy provided to us is genuine and true. It is not full of things of this world. It is the joy provided by God alone.

If the above promise of joy is not enough on its own, then read on to what else the Lord said: “your joy will be complete.” Joy to the greatest extent or degree is given to us by Christ. This joy has absolutely everything that is necessary, and nothing is missing, BECAUSE IT IS COMPLETE!!

Isn’t this joy that the Lord provides to us such an unfathomable, wonderful gift! And, it is given to us out of His love, kindness, and mercy. We have done nothing to earn it, but He has provided it for us anyway! Always give thanks to the Lord for the joy that He provides. Always remember that no one can take it away from you, and it is truly complete! AMEN!!