More to the Story

Daily Reading: John 16

Scripture Focus: But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. (John 16.6)

Devotional Thought: Have you ever heard words that filled your heart with sadness? I'm sure you have. Everybody has: Honey, I'm sorry, but you're father... We found a mass... We need to adjust our workforce... We're moving... I need my space... Words have the potential to bring joy, but they also can hurt us deeply.

Jesus said some things that upset his disciples. We wouldn't think that Jesus would do that, would we? What did he say that made them so sad?

Several things come to mind:

• "You also ought to wash one another's feet" (John 13.14). It's hard to hear that we need to serve others. We like being served!

• "One of you will betray me" (John 13.21). Have you ever hurt someone you love? Not fun!

• "Where I am going you cannot come" (John 13.33). When you're left out, you feel it!

• "Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away" (John 15.2). Ouch, if we haven't been doing what we're supposed to!

• "If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away" (John 15.6). Have you been keeping close to Jesus?

Yes, Jesus can say some things that cause us pain. But he does it for our good, for our healing and growth. And, Jesus had something else to say that would help his friends get through their time of darkness and despair: The Helper will come to you. I will come to you.

So, if you are hearing some difficult things from the Lord, take heart. There's more to the story!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for being honest with me - even when it hurts. I know that your words bring life, so help me to trust you even then. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 25 I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. 26 He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing. 27 Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever. 28 For the LORD loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off. 29 The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever. 30 The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. 31 The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip. 32 The wicked watches for the righteous and seeks to put him to death. 33 The LORD will not abandon him to his power or let him be condemned when he is brought to trial. (Psalms 37:25-33)