John 16:20-23
20 Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.
21 When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world.
22 So you also are now in anguish. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.
23 On that day you will not question me about anything. Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.
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I was all set to refer to something poignant from "the dust" today, and I come across this from Augustine about the woman in labor: "This comparison does not seem difficult to understand." I had to laugh. Christ is very clear. He's leaving and it will hurt. He comes back, and no one can take away their joy.
Does that describe you? Is your joy so full that no one can take it away? If not, the answer is simple ... focus on Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with his words. Obey his commands. Remain in Him. No one will be able to take away your joy
