Scripture For Today
20 Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21 A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. - John 16:20-21 NIV
The Pain Will Not Last Forever
The grief may be for a little while, but the blessing is eternal. In this verse of scripture, we see Jesus foretelling of his death. He tells the disciples that he will leave and that he will come back after a little while. He is speaking of the condemnation of his life which is going to lead to death later in the scripture.
In seasons of transformation, change, and letting go, grieving what is passing is normal. Feeling as if you are losing important things and even losing yourself is natural. It is when we allow this grief to be a permanent resting place that the enemy can successfully keep our focus on all that is being lost vs what is being gained.
Foreshadowing The Death, Burial, and Resurrection
Here, Jesus promises them that they will grieve but that their grief will turn to joy. He is foreshadowing his death, resurrection, and the ascension to the right hand of the Father. When the disciples began to fret and worry, they wonder what He means when he says he will leave a little while and then come back. This is where He reassures them that even though the world will rejoice and that they would grieve, their grief would not be permanent.
Likewise, in your life, there will be periods of pain, grief, and loss. There will be times when the pain seems overwhelming and all-encompassing. Jesus likens it to the birth of a child. He explains that when that child is being born that the pain can be debilitating. However, once that child is born, there is a life and joy that overcomes the mother at seeing the face of their child. This is the joy that he foretells will be the joy of the disciples upon seeing His resurrected being.
Whatever you may be walking through, whether it's birthing, death, or a painful transition in your life, bear in mind today that the pain is only for a little while. The joy of seeing the other side will be worth enduring the journey.
Three Practical Ways To Walk Out This Word Daily
1. Acknowledge and Honor the Process of Pain
Do not rush past your grief or pretend it doesn’t exist. Jesus did not dismiss the pain His disciples would feel. He acknowledged it and reassured them that it had a purpose. Likewise, give yourself space to feel and process your grief. Journal your thoughts, pray honestly before God, and let your sorrow become a place of communion with Him, not isolation.
2. Anchor Yourself in the Promise of Joy
In moments of deep emotional or spiritual pain, remind yourself that the story is not over. Joy is promised. Speak life over your situation by declaring Scriptures of hope. Post reminders in your environment that what you are enduring is birthing something new. Anchor your heart not in the loss, but in the faith that resurrection is coming.
3. Serve Others While You Wait for Joy
Even while grieving, you can be a blessing. Jesus, knowing He was going to the cross, still comforted, taught, and served. Choose small acts of service to lift others during your hard seasons. Sometimes the act of giving joy can help restore joy. Loving others in your pain doesn’t diminish what you feel, it multiplies purpose in it.
Closing Encouragement:
Your pain is not the end of the story. Like a woman in labor, what you are birthing may come with tears, discomfort, and moments of deep agony but joy is coming. Let the words of Jesus settle your heart: your grief will turn to joy. Keep going. The new life is just ahead.