We grieve when it seems that the world takes something from us. We grieve to see Jesus on the cross when we think he is being taken from us. We grieve when we face our own crosses. But the resurrection reveals that the world can't take anything that truly matters from us.
But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice,
and no one will take your joy away from you.
The world has no power over Jesus because his life is rooted in the Father.
In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world (cf. Joh. 16:33).
We are invited to root our lives in the Trinity as well. We are invited to "ask the Father" in the name of Jesus for everything we need, knowing that we will receive it. He does not give out fast cars or nice clothes necessarily. But he does give us all we need to build the kingdom. He gives us his Holy Spirit. He himself guarantees that the fruits of love, peace, and joy will grow in our lives. This is a joy which no one can take from us. Our lives are now rooted in God. "For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God" (cf. Col. 3:3).
We are able to hear God's word when he says, "Do not be afraid. Go on speaking, and do not be silent, for I am with you." Without the Spirit we count up successes and failures before undertaking the next task. Paul without the Spirit would be counting the beatings and stonings and shipwrecks.
The LORD would tell him, "Do not be afraid."
Without the Spirit, Paul would reply, "Fool me once."
But with the Spirit he is filled with the peace which the world cannot take away. When the LORD tells him to move he is able to do so in complete trust. If there are struggles he knows that these cannot steal his joy or his peace. He is able to trust that God will work through him for the mission and the kingdom even when things don't seem to be working at all from a human perspective. Paul may end up in chains but he has joy because he knows that the gospel cannot be chained (cf. 2 Tim. 2:9).
He has the joy which Jesus promises...
But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice,
and no one will take your joy away from you.
Jesus does not promise this joy only to him. He promises it to us as well, provided we root our lives in him. May our deepest identity by hidden with Christ in God. Then no one will take our joy away. With lives rooted in God we are fearless. Where is the deepest truth of our lives? Where is the unshakable core of our identity?
God mounts his throne amid shouts of joy;
the LORD, amid trumpet blasts.
Sing praise to God, sing praise;
sing praise to our king, sing praise.
If we live from the very throne of God what have we to fear?
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