FEBRUARY 11
Psalm 30:5, “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”
If you′ve knelt beside the rubble of an aching broken heart
When the things you gave your life to fell apart
You’re not the first to be acquainted with sorrow, grief, or pain
But the Master promised sunshine after rain
Hold on, my child
Joy comes in the morning
Weeping only last for the night
Hold on, my child
Joy comes in the morning
The darkest hour means dawn is just in sight.
-Writers: William and Gloria Gaither
Sorrow in this life is no surprise, for we live in a broken world. We sin or are wronged, and sorrow finds its way to us. Personal loss, especially the death of a loved one or friend, is particularly hard. Sorrow and grief are inseparable, yet they are not our friends. Like uninvited guests, they are often difficult to evict. Their dark and foreboding presence weighs heavily on us—emotionally, spiritually, and even physically. And there are tears, the loss of hope, and even despondency.
Were there no God of hope, there would be no hope of joy. But it is God who created both night and day, and each new morning brings with it the promise of fresh mercies, from the One who is rich in mercy (Lamentations 3:23; Ephesians 2:4). Life can be harsh, and Jesus Himself lived among us as a “Man of Sorrows… acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). But for “the joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2). A cruel cross paved the way for an empty tomb and the promise of renewal to all who trust in Him.
Though sorrow may come as an unwelcome guest, joy and the promise of joy remain enduring companions. As Scripture tells us, “the anger of the Lord is but for a moment… His favor is for a lifetime” (Psalm 30:5). No loss or sorrow, no matter how cruel or heartbreaking, can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:39). Just as night gives way to day, and winter to spring, the God of renewal births joy in the hearts of His children through His presence. One day, a broken world will give way to a new creation, where sorrow will be no more (Revelation 21:4). In God’s presence and promise, there’s always good reason to praise and thank God (Psalm 30:4).
“Now, see, the morning breaks! Who is this hurrying up the hill, and knocking at the door? Hark to his joyous shout! Who is this? Ah! It is Joy. The child of the morning light!” – F. B. Meyer
Application Questions: Think back to the last time you were sorrowful. What worked to turn your emotions around? How important is this promise of joy in times of sorrow? What means does God use to restore joy?
LookingtoJesus 