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Awit 30:11

Deep mourning ang inabutan ni Jesus at ng Kanyang disciples sa Bethany, ang hometown ng magkapatid na Martha and Mary. Four days na kasing nakalibing ang kapatid nilang si Lazarus, na close rin kay Jesus. Because of so much sorrow and pity for the sisters, Jesus couldn’t help but weep as well (John 11:35).

But the story didn’t end there. Hindi nanatiling patay si Lazarus. After praying to the Father, Jesus shouted for Lazarus to come out his tomb. And Lazarus did come out — still wrapped with strips of linen — raised to life by the power of God.

Just imagine how Martha and Mary’s sorrow, and those of their relatives and friends, suddenly turned into gladness. With only three words from Jesus — “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43) — napalitan ng tears of joy ang kanilang tears of sadness.

This is what happens when we have a personal relationship with Jesus. He will wipe away our tears and replace them with overflowing joy. He will turn our mourning into dancing. Maybe He’ll do this habang nabubuhay pa tayo sa mundo, or maybe in the future, when He calls us home to be with Him in heaven forever.

Are we in mourning right now? Meron ba tayong nararamdamang overwhelming sorrow? Let us be encouraged by this assurance from King David: “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5, NLT). Let’s thank the Lord, and trust that He will turn our mourning into dancing again!