The Upper Room Devotional 25 April 2026, Saturday Message
Anowa Chipisala’cho
Chad T. Johnson (Texas, USA)
Today’s Reading
John 16:16-28
Jesus went on to say, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.” – John 16:16 (NIV)
I am a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, and I lead an annual mission trip that immerses participants in Native American culture while serving Native churches in Oklahoma. At the end of each trip, I remind the group that there is no definitive “goodbye” in Native culture, only “until I see you again.” No matter how hard it is to part, we believe that we will indeed see one another again, either in this life or the next.
In the Chickasaw language, the phrase for “until I see you again” is anowa chipisala’cho (ah-noh-wah chi-pee-sah-lah-choh). This phrase is always spoken with confidence and a deeply rooted faith that we will see one another again.
Jesus’ words about seeing him again can be as confusing to us as they were for the disciples, who were filled with questions about what Jesus meant. But Jesus encourages the disciples to keep a heavenly focus. Although losing Jesus was painful, Christ offered the disciples a life-giving, hope-filled promise: they would see him again. No matter how great our loss, there is always hope, grace, resurrection, and a great reunion. May we always find it in our hearts to say “anowa chipisala’cho” because we will see one another again!
Thought for the Day
How can I live into an anowa chipisala’cho spirit of hope today?
Prayer Focus
Hope for a great reunion
Today’s Prayer
Aba Bini’li — Creator of all things — we are thankful that “goodbye” is not the only way because you offer us grace and hope for our future life. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 25 April 2026 is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More