Week 31
Psalm 30:5 “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.”
Nighttime weeping is common and very difficult. Hardly anyone (actually, I want to write, “no one”) escapes the grip of weeping at night at some point in life’s journey.
Life is filled with emotional and physical potholes that flatten our joys and hopes. Some of these problems are expected, some unexpected. Some are totally surprising, and part of the struggle is the shock of not anticipating the struggle. In the darkness of the night, life can seem tragic and awful, at times.
The causes of our nighttime weeping may be overwhelming and draining to our life’s energy and strength. Sometimes medical issues overwhelm us. Sometimes financial concerns are so great that we wonder how we will make it. Still, sometimes relational disappointments, rejection, and pain can sap us of our love, joy, and hope for the future.
And when these difficulties come, weeping will often occur, especially at night. Nighttime weeping is sharp, edgy, and filled with despair, not only because of the problems themselves but also because of the intensity of the darkness that surrounds us as we contemplate our troubles.
But the psalmist, David, knew two important truths that helped save him during times of night weeping. First, David knew that the nighttime would come to an end. Second, David knew that the night’s weeping would end, because joy comes in the morning.
Our text today reminds us that darkness is always temporary, for the morning is just down the road a bit. The text reminds us that the weeping is temporary, for our joy is coming with the morning.
The “morning” represents many truths. The morning represents God’s favor (God’s favor is in view in verses 5 and 7). God often graciously intervenes in this life to bring about His goodness and love in our life experience. This regularly occurs after the nighttime of weeping. Sometimes after our weeping God brings unexpected pleasures and joys into our lives, showing His love and care for us. And also, we must remember that this lifetime of darkness where sin, sickness, and suffering seem so prominent and powerful will one day end and God’s great promise of heaven will be ours forever and ever. One day this darkness of despair will conclude and the morning of God’s great eternal day full of joy, love, and peace will embrace all believers for all eternity.
As David reminds us, “weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.” O Christian friend, hang on to the promises of your Savior. Delight in His fidelity and care. The Lord Jesus is with you, and He will care for you in the hour of your need. The day will come when you will worship Him, and you will give thanks to Him for His faithfulness in your life.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to not interpret all of my life through the lens of darkness that seems so prevalent right now. Help me to, by faith, hold onto the promise of Your gospel in Jesus Christ to me. And help me to remember that You are with me, and You are sovereign over all things. Amen.