Day 24 | John 15:26–16:33
Read John 15:26–16:33
Jesus continues to build on the theme of complete joy, this time focusing on the promise of the Holy Spirit. As Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure, He reassures them that they will not be left alone or without guidance. The Holy Spirit, whom He calls the Counselor, will come to comfort, guide, and empower them. Jesus explains, “When the Counselor comes, the one I will send to you from the Father… he will testify about me” (15:26). The Spirit’s presence ensures that the disciples—and we—will continue to experience Jesus’ joy and truth, even when He is no longer physically with us.
Jesus acknowledges that His disciples will face hardship and persecution in the world, but the Holy Spirit’s coming will prevent them from stumbling. “I have told you these things so that when their time comes you will remember I told them to you” (16:4). Jesus doesn’t promise a life without challenges, but He equips us with the Holy Spirit to sustain us in those trials. The Spirit keeps us anchored in God’s truth and joy, helping us persevere in faith despite opposition.
This joy, rooted in the Spirit’s presence, is not tied to fleeting emotions or circumstances but is a deep, abiding sense of peace that comes from knowing we are never alone. The Holy Spirit helps us understand Jesus’ words, reminds us of His promises, and empowers us to live faithfully. “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world” (16:33). This assurance of Jesus’ victory, communicated through the Spirit, gives us confidence and joy even in difficult times.
Through the Holy Spirit, we experience the complete joy Jesus promised. The Spirit’s presence within us fills our hearts with peace, leads us into truth, and strengthens us when the world feels overwhelming. As we rely on the Spirit, our joy remains steadfast, preventing us from stumbling and helping us walk in faithfulness, no matter what we face.
Begin praying with Psalm 126:5:
“Those who sow in tears
will reap with shouts of joy.”