“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms… And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” John 14:1-3
“But now I am going to him who sent me… But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you…
“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.., and he will declare to you the things that are to come…
“Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament… You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy… So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” John 16:5-7,13,20,22
“While staying with them he ordered them… to wait for the promise of the Father,.. ‘you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now. You will receive power.., and you will be my witnesses.'” Acts 1:4-5,8
“Weeping may tarry for the night,
but joy comes with the morning.” Psalm 30:5
They had walked with Him closely for three years of His public ministry, learning, observing, conversing. The disciples could not imagine a break in this daily rhythm. Jesus had told them repeatedly He was leaving, and promised them that His absence would be and bring good. He’d be preparing their heavenly home, He’d send the Holy Spirit who would indwell them to comfort and counsel, and He’d see them again. But all change is perceived as loss, and it also actually effectuates loss. They were confused and distraught: Jesus’s departure would leave such a void… (Matthew 16:21; 17:22-23; Acts 2:1-4)
When we dwell on loss, we can miss the new and good God has in store in the aftermath. Certainly, some are shocking, life-changing, and overwhelming to handle: sudden death of a loved one, dismissal from a job, diagnosis of an incurable disease or debilitation, a move or reorganization that leaves us reeling. But holding to God’s promises engenders hope and expectancy. He is not surprised at these trials, but works His good for, in, and through us as we come out the other side. (Isaiah 43:18-19; Romans 8:28; 1 Peter 4:12-13)
Just as death to self brings new life in Christ, so a physical death, broken relationship, loss of a home, even the demise of certain dreams, brings newness that only God knows. What might He have in store? His goodness can be trusted. (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20)
Are we ruing the passage of time and the loss that years bring? Do we focus on past glories that have swelled in importance and value, frozen from attempting change or new successes? Are we dwelling on how things were, the old guard, former standards, unable to look ahead to today’s (and future) opportunities? Would we thank God for His providence in past good, then set confident hope on Him and toward the new good He’s unfolding? (Philippians 3:14)
Father, through every parting, keep me grateful for redemptive changes You bring and by which You are glorified.
As the rain and snow 