Joy Comes in the Morning!

Have you ever been through a season in your life where you had one disappointment after another? As you were dealing with one, then along came another? Wave after wave of "stuff" washed over you, again and again? Perhaps you are there now. Perhaps it is a friend that is struggling through these life changing issues. Either way, God has not left us without witness!

Today's treasure is found in the Gospel of John. In chapter 20 we enter the record of the resurrection of Christ. None of us can fully imagine what the followers of Christ had experienced in those days leading up to HIS resurrection. Let it suffice to say that their world had been turned upside down! Now that, we can identify with. Especially for those who were the closest to HIM. Like Mary. Not HIS mother, but Mary Magdalene.

She had arrived at the tomb of Jesus only to discover HIS body was gone. Nowhere to be found. This was just another set back that washed over her soul. Her friend, her brother, her Savior had been taken captive, falsely accused, convicted and condemned. HE had been crucified with thiefs and died before her very eyes. She had mourned through the Sabbath and had purposed to come early on Sunday to grieve, mourn and anoint HIS body again, only to discover HIS body had apparently been stolen. Verse 11 records our first true glimpse into her continued struggle with the events surrounding her life and her Savior. "But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping."

Have you ever been there? Nothing else to do but to let your emotions out! Can't take another hit? Another setback? Some of us simply stuff and try and move on! Some get angry and try and work it out. Others simply can't go any further, just stand there and cry! Sometimes that is all there is left to do.......humanly speaking! But as always, Jesus has other plans for us. HE just doesn't let us in on all of them ahead of time. This IS one of those times.

You see, her grief was soon to be pierced by HIS voice. Verse 16 records it. She did not recognize Jesus at first, thought HE was the gardener. Only when she heard HIS voice did she collapse in worship before HIM clinging to HIS feet. Jesus spoke to her and simply said " Mary." Isn't that awesome?! With only one word HE washes it all away! You see what that word was? Yep, it was her name! He called her by name! I would love to have been there to see this tide of truth and emotion roll! Her faith was becoming sight and her heart was being healed. All in one moment and with one word!

Can I say this. HE still does this today. With one word HE can change things in our lives. We must however position ourselves to hear HIM call. Remember, where were the other disciples??? They were not here and therefore they did not hear! Still true today! Many are so busy with their agenda that they cannot hear HIS calling their name. May I simply say this to us all today. No matter what ails you or I. HE cares! HE is there and willing to show up if only we will put ourselves into position to hear HIM speak our names.

My beloved, take time today to be still before HIM. Let HIM know your pain, your fears, your uncertainties and listen for HIM. HE will speak. He will call out to you. Read HIS Psalms and allow HIM to reveal HIS love for and to you. Then, just as Mary did you will find your suffering pale in the light of HIS glory and grace. And you too will cling to HIM!

Blessings
Bruce