John 16:4b-7
But I have said these things to you so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you about them.
“I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.
Reflection – Dee Dee Lyon
When I was 25 years old, single, and an only child, I lost both of my parents. My mother had a stroke and died fairly suddenly, and although my father had physical illnesses, he was basically well enough to take care of himself, our house in our hometown, and my mother before her stroke. But after my mother died, my dad fell apart and died five months later. The doctors said that he did not want to live anymore, so I believe he died of a broken heart. I had just moved to Birmingham a couple of years before, mostly for school, and I had just started a new job when all of this happened. Talk about being mad at God! I could not believe He would let this happen to me so suddenly! But I had started going to a church in Birmingham and had met some wonderful new friends. The Comforter or Spirit can come to you in many ways, and It came to me in those wonderful people, who gave me peace and and comfort during that time of such distress. Many of them are still those friends that I still have today after 50 years. Amazing!!! Amazing what God does in your life and keeps on doing! I’m not mad at God anymore. I’m way over it. May these lyrics help guide us as well undergo journeys from distress to joy.
He saw me plunged in deep distress,
and flew to my relief;
For me He bore the shameful cross,
and carried all my grief.
To Him I owe my life and breath,
And all the joys I have;
He makes me triumph over death,
and saves me from the grave.
“Majestic Sweetness” v. 3