The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 3 May 2026 – Joy Amid Sorrow
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TOPIC: Joy Amid Sorrow
READ: John 16:5-22 (KJV)
5 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?
6 But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
16 A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.
17 Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?
18 They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.
19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?
20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.
22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
THE MESSAGE:
In John 16:5-22, Jesus prepares His disciples for His imminent departure, assuring them that His going away, was for their benefit. He promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, who would guide them into all truth (John 16:7, 13). While Jesus acknowledges their sorrow at His departure (John 16:6), He offers hope by likening their grief to the labour pains of a woman giving birth, which turn into joy once the child is born (John 16:21). This analogy emphasizes that their temporary sorrow would result in eternal joy when they see Him again in His resurrected glory (John 16:22). Jesus’ words reflect His deep love for His disciples and His desire to prepare them for the transformative power of His resurrection and the Spirit’s indwelling.
Christians are reminded that life’s challenges often give way to outstanding spiritual joy when we trust in God’s purposes. Like the disciples, we may endure seasons of grief and uncertainty, but Jesus assures us of His abiding presence through the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:26-27). This hope empowers us to persevere, knowing that our trials produce lasting joy in Christ (James 1:2-3). As we await His return, we are encouraged to live with the assurance of His victory over sorrow and death (1 Cor. 15:57).
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to endure sorrow with hope, knowing that your joy will fill my heart. Amen!
