After Christ was crucified, there was grieving and hopelessness. On Sunday, the women went to the tomb expecting to find Jesus still dead. They went to the tomb filled with hopelessness and despair. They were undoubtedly very depressed and heavy hearted. As they walked, they no longer had the joy they once had while Jesus was with them.
They were overjoyed to hear that He had risen. They hurried from the tomb to tell the others. It is written that they were filled with joy and also fearful. They continued to walk. When Jesus revealed Himself to the women, they worshiped Him. Their dark dreadful day has been transformed into one with excitement and new hope. Their steps as they go to tell the others are filled with joy.
The steps to the tomb were greatly contrasted from the steps they took leaving the tomb. What circumstances are you facing that may feel like you are walking to the tomb? Have your days been burdensome? Do you need a new hope? Do you need the joy put back into you step? The tomb is empty. The stone has been rolled away. You can walk away from that emptiness to meet Jesus. He can put the joy back into your step. Your day does not have to remain hopeless. Meeting Jesus can give you a hope and a joy no matter what you face during your day.
Maybe you know the joy of meeting Jesus. Is your joy so overflowing that you must tell someone? It is so overflowing that it overcomes the fears that you have? These women were so devoted to Jesus that they were there during His crucifixion and wanted to tend to His body after His death. Jesus will reward your devotion to Him. If you want to have more joy, you can be honest with Jesus and ask Him to give you joy that you want to tell others about. You can also ask Him to give you what you need to overcome your fears no matter what those fears are.