stephen R Harrison

JOY 365: Day 28

For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.– Psalm 30:5

I visited with someone today who’s been facing some very serious health conditions. They have recently made the decision to incorporate hospice care as their illness worsens. As I prayed with them, Psalm 30:5 came to mind. They’ve consistently received bad news for a few years, and they’ve struggled to find joy in the middle of it. That Scripture reminds us that although “weeping may stay for the night, rejoicing comes in the morning”. Certainly, their time of suffering been filled with more than one night of weeping. Night after night, they’ve struggled. Hundreds, possibly thousands, of days and nights have sought to zap their joy. But they’ve remained steadfast, knowing “joy comes in the morning”. 

That morning, we rejoiced in a future morning. The Lord may not heal them in this life. While praying for healing, they’ve trusted Him in His sovereignty. They firmly believe there’s joy beyond this world. Jesus is completely able to heal every one of their diseases. They know when death comes, however it may, there’s a great morning promised. On that day, death will not win. They will not only be physically healed but will be eternally whole in the presence of their Savior. Psalm 30:11-12 continues with hope. Jesus turns mourning into dancing. He removes sackcloth and clothes with joy! He causes our hearts to sing praise and not be silent. He’s why we can sing forever! 

How has Jesus turned your weeping into rejoicing? Where do you need Him to do that?