FROM MOURNING TO MORNING

FEBRUARY 11

Psalm 30

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?

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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