Sorrow Turned Into Joy

“Sorrow Turned Into Joy” - John 16:20

When reading this verse that records the words that Jesus spake to his disciples, shortly before Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion, I am reminded that in this world (15:18-20) we have manifold temptations and trials that cause us to “weep and lament” and “be sorrowful.”

This world can become a valley of tears and sorrow overnight. Psalm 30:5 says that “weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

Jeremiah knew far too well about this weeping and lamenting as he wrote the Book of Lamentations. His night lasted a long time before his sorrow was turned to joy “in the morning.”

Naomi knew personally how that this world brings with it loss and sorrow, as she lost her husband and two sons to death, and her daughter-in-law, Orpah, turned back to Moab. Naomi “went out full” but returned “home again empty.” She said, “call me Mara (bitter): for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.” (Ruth 1:20-21) Her sorrow was not turned to joy until Ruth and Boaz marry and produce a grandson. Her “night” eventually turned to “morning.”

The woman and the disciples that followed Jesus, and witnessed his death and burial, had to wait three plus nights and days before their sorrow (night) was turned to joy (morning) upon seeing the resurrected Saviour, Jesus Christ.

God can do the impossible of turning night into day, emptiness of bitterness into fullness of life, and sorrow into joy; but it may not be in the timeframe of your prayer and choosing. As Jesus said in John 14:1 & 27, “Let not your heart be troubled…” God knows what is best. God will do what is best. God IS the best. And his promise is true that he will see us again, “and your heart shall rejoice” (16:23).