The joy is complete!

Reflecting on John 16:16-24

“Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” (John 16:22)

Jesus is explaining how He is leaving (dying) but will come back (rising).
His coming back will change everything, grief will be changed to joy.
We will experience restored fellowship with the Father, where all is well.
The “ask and you will receive” describes this restored fellowship.
It reflects a strong bond of love – God withholds nothing good from His children!

Everything changes because Jesus dies and rises.
Jesus breaks the chains of sin and death, affirming love and restoring joy!
Death is no longer the last word, Jesus and life and love are!
Do we see death through this lens, a temporary step towards life?
Do we see it as the labour before the birth, the amazing gift of life?

Jesus has shown us that love, not fear, is the way we can relate to God.
Jesus offers us full joy and peace, not shame or condemnation.
Our joy is complete because God’s love is complete – whether we feel it or not.
Is this how I experience my relationship with God and Jesus?
God’s love for me is complete… is my joy in His love complete?

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, for too long my experience of the christian faith was more a burden than a blessing. You have fully restored me to God, and nothing and no one can take away His love. Help me to experience this joy... complete joy!