Sorrow Turned to Joy – Jn. 16:19-33

It has been said that 'time heals all wounds'. This old adage describes the reality that the emotional pain of loss fades over time. But is there something better? What if, instead of time healing wounds, the sorrow we experience were replaced by real joy? Is it possible? Yes, according to Scripture.

Jesus speaks of turning sorrow into joy in the second half of John 16. He also tells us how it's done. I appreciate this so much. There is a certain sobriety built in to Christianity. By definition, faith requires submission -- which is something the human heart resists. Still, God wants his people to be joyful. We can be, despite our circumstances, if we take heed to what Jesus tells his disciples in today's text.