These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full . . . Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. John 15:11; 16:20 NKJV

With every occasion of sadness and sorrow, you must locate your faith and refuse to allow sorrow or trouble to steal your joy. When circumstances steal your joy, metaphorically, it’s like you’re “running on empty in an automobile.” And, when you’re running on empty, without refueling, you’ll eventually run out and become sad or depressed. But if you do, don’t pretend to be happy in the face of your pain and sorrow; with the joy of the Lord, you can turn your sorrow into joy that no man or nothing can ever take from you.

Jesus said some things to His disciples so that His joy would remain in them, and in turn, their joy would be full. But what had Jesus spoke? He outlined least two powerful principles: (1) “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5); and then, (2) “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples” (John 15:7-8).

Fruit is the product of plant growth, and joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). To abide in Him is to dwell in Him; grow in Him; and, to stay present in Him regardless circumstances that may bring sadness and sorrow. The joy that Jesus gives through His abiding Word becomes full—complete—when it remains; thus , becoming your joy—joy that it isn’t diverted, distracted, or interrupted by test and trials (John 16:24).   

Unlike happiness, which can be faked or be a pretense, joy is a fruit of the Spirit and a spiritual force. It is birthed inside the human heart, manifested in cheerfulness, delight and gladness that remains unchanged regardless of circumstances. So, how do you turn your sorrow into joy? First you must be committed to rejoicing everyday (Psalm 118:24); then, when sorrow and trouble comes to steal your joy, you’ll need a consciousness of joy, and as an act of your will, you must mentally shift from sorrow to consider the joy that Jesus had when He endured the cross (Hebrews 12:2); thus,  you’ll be shifting from your sorrow to the feel the joy of the Lord (See John 16:20-22 and Nehemiah 8:10). Turn your sorrow into joy!