Joy Cometh in the Morning
For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning (Psalm 30:5, KJV)
The Psalmist reinforces a comforting message: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” What does he mean by this?
This poetic line uses the metaphor of night and day, or darkness and light, to convey three key points: life’s seasons, our experiences, and God’s reactions.
Firstly, a day or night can signify a specific time or season. For example, God was once angry with Israel, but His anger didn’t last forever. Micah confirms this by saying, “He retainers not His anger forever” (Micah 7:18-19). So, the concepts of day and night symbolize different life phases.
The Psalmist describes a dark time for Israel when God judged them for their sins. This dark period, such as the Babylonian captivity, was temporary. Likewise, before Jesus (the Light) came into the world, humanity lived in a season of spiritual darkness—we were in mourning of the night. But both these dark seasons came to an end.
Although “weeping may endure for a night”, “joy cometh in the morning.” This transition from darkness to light, from night to morning, symbolizes a turnaround in our lives. As the Psalmist declares in Psalm 126:1, this turnaround was like a dawn breaking for Israel, “When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, We were like them that dream.” (Psalm 126:1, KJV)
Similarly, when God changes your circumstances, it’s like moving from night to morning.
The morning or the day represents a time of God’s favor and joy for us. In Psalm 90:14, Moses captures the essence of this morning phase:
“Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days” (Psalm 90:14, ESV).
So take heart. Remember that your dawn is near, even if you’re going through challenging times. God will bring joy and favor in the morning.
Meditate
What three ideas are metaphorically linked to night and day in the text above?
Apply the Word
Step out in faith and start praising God. Your new day, filled with joy, is on its way to replace any mourning you’ve experienced.
Pray
Thank God for transforming any difficult situations you’ve faced in your life.
Recommended
- Though the Fig Tree Does Not Blossom
- The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace and joy
- I Bring You Tidings of Great Joy
- A joyful heart will do wonders in your life
- Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord
- View All Deshen Daily Devotionals
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