Joy Comes in the Morning
Every time I look around, I see trouble on my left and then on my right. There is trouble in the land, and there seems to be no consolation for my soul.
As I wax poetically and recall the words of songs and scripture that have ministered to me over the years, I am reminded of Psalm 30:4-5 (NIV): “Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; 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 is a call to every believer to always praise God and, when faced with challenges, big and small, to reflect on how God has provided abundant blessings. A reflective look at God is a testament to His power and His mercy. Then, as believers set in the moment of challenge, they can be strengthened to know that they are not walking alone.
In the fifth verse, believers are introduced to the reality that some days bring sorrow, and in the demonstration of pain and suffering, tears do flow. Yet, each morning that a believer faces, even if the challenges are still present, they can walk in the knowledge that God is granting new mercies (opportunities not seen before) and that Jesus is still advocating for the believer.
Yes, there may be trouble on every side, but what the natural eyes can see is only temporary. The Spirit of God whispers to every believer to “stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.” The “seeing” may well be the finished product, and it may be a spiritual reaffirmation.
God is not only aware of the trouble, but He is working it out through the challenges, and He does it every day that He sends. Joy comes in the morning!
St. James AME Church is located at 360 Dorothy St. in Charleston and worship service is held on the first and third Sundays of each month at 11 a.m. You may also join us on Zoom at pastorv.com.
