Scripture: “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” – (30:5)
Observation: In this psalm, we read about the mercy of God. David writes about crying out to the Lord, and how He responds with His favour.
Application: Life is never easy. There are always difficult challenges, unexpected tragedies, and tough roads to walk. Sometimes it seems as though the good times will never again visit our lives, especially if we are knee-deep in “bad times”. And truly, when we are fighting hard battles in life, it often feels as though it will never end. This is not so for those who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus.
God cares for each one of us and desires to help us in our times of need. He asks us to come to Him with every need. As Christians, we should always be “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7). Jesus taught that we would have tribulation in this world, but He was still the One in control and would give us His peace. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
Additionally, our key verse states that God will bring us joy when we experience hard times. His mercies toward His children are new every morning! (Lamentations 3:23). Remember, God cares for each one of us, and He longs to give us the desires of our hearts when we “delight” in Him. (Psalm 37:4). How does one delight in the Lord? The answers are in the same psalm.
- Trust in the Lord – “Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.” (Psalm 37:3)
- Learning to trust God includes reading and studying His Word, then choosing to believe it as absolute truth, and using its godly wisdom to guide you through all aspect of life.
- Commit your ways to the Lord – “Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” (Psalm 37:5)
- When you choose to do something, you do it in alignment with God’s perfect will. You take His Word for what it says, and make a concerted effort to bring your will into agreement with His will. Your actions reflect the commitment to God’s ways.
- Rest in the Lord – “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” (Psalm 37:7)
- Depend on God to bring your through the tribulations you face. He is molding and making you more like Jesus as you go through these challenges. While depending on God for a good outcome is not the easiest thing to do in the midst of a trial, remember God is faithful to make ALL things work to the good (Romans 8:28). This is hard to hear when you’re suffering, but nevertheless, it is a very important truth of Scripture, and requires our trust and commitment to God.
God never lies; He is ever faithful, and He keeps every promise He’s ever made. Thus, if the Lord says “joy cometh in the morning”, you can know that joy truly will come.
Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for always being with me. There is so much comfort I have when facing tough situations in knowing that You are with me. You promised to walk with me through those valleys of the shadow of death… those hard times… and then You would give me joy in “the morning”. I know that Your timing is perfect, and I am learning to trust You more and more. Thank You for the truth of Your Word that helps me learn more about You and how to trust You more each day. Strengthen me through Your Word and help me stand strong in my faith when I face adversity. In Your precious name, I pray. Amen.
I will sing hallelujah, for there’s joy in the Lord,
And He fills my heart with rapture as I rest on His word;
I will trust in His promise, I will shout “I am free”;
In my blessèd loving Savior I have sweet victory.
There is joy in the Lord, there is joy in the Lord;
Hallelujah, glory, glory, there is joy in the Lord.
There is joy in the Lord, there is joy in the Lord;
Hallelujah, glory, glory, there is joy in the Lord.
(from “There is Joy in the Lord” by Barney Elliott Warren)
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“Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;” – Psalm 30:11