Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. – Psalm 30:5
Two of the shortest verses in the Bible are John 11:35, “Jesus wept” and 1 Thessalonians 5:16, “Rejoice always.” Robert J. Morgan writes in his book 100 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know by Heart, “Quite a contrast isn’t it – weeping and rejoicing? But how appropriate! Because Jesus wept, we can rejoice. Because He bears our sorrows, we experience His joy.”
The believer will experience suffering in this life, which may simply be a result of living in a fallen world, or it may be God’s correction for disobedience. Trials may also occur to develop one’s character to be more Christlike. How long will the grief or anguish last? Will it “tarry for the night” literally, or will it lodge in place for a longer period of time?
The answer may be based on whether or not the lesson is learned, whether sin is confessed and repentance takes place, or whether God’s intended purpose has been met. For the Christian, weeping may last for a moment, but know that relief and comfort will come, whether that be overnight or when life on this earth ceases. No matter what, know that for the follower of Christ, your suffering is transient, it will end, and joy will come.
Remember that “for those who love God all things work together for good” (Romans 8:28). God is in control, He is faithful, and He is always available to help. Joy in the Lord is life-giving. The unbeliever will not have the same end, so pray now that those who don’t know Christ as their Savior will be encouraged in faith so they may know His joy… joy that will never end.
Today’s Verse: Psalm 30:5
For his anger is but for a moment,
and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night,
but joy comes with the morning.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 90:8, 11-17
8You have set our iniquities before you,
our secret sins in the light of your presence.
11Who considers the power of your anger,
and your wrath according to the fear of you?
12 So teach us to number our days
that we may get a heart of wisdom.
13 Return, O Lord! How long?
Have pity on your servants!
14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,
that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
and for as many years as we have seen evil.
16 Let your work be shown to your servants,
and your glorious power to their children.
17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,
and establish the work of our hands upon us;
yes, establish the work of our hands!
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
