JOY COMES IN THE MORNING

Sing to the LORD, you his faithful ones, and praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor, a lifetime. Weeping may stay overnight, but there is joy in the morning. Psalm 30:4-5

Biblical scholars are not in agreement about the reason David wrote the Psalm. Some argue the Psalm was intended for the dedication of the Temple of Solomon. Notwithstanding, the lyrics of this hymn clearly indicate it was intended as a hymn of praise to the Almighty God. Thus, the psalmist exhorts the faithful assembly to sing to the Lord, and praise his holy name.

In verse 5, the psalmist gave the "faithful ones" two valid reasons for his call to worship. The first reason is that God’s anger lasts only a moment. The idea is that God’s grace and love for his creation supersedes his righteous anger which fades like a flickering flames so that his grace may abound.

The second reason for the call to worship is that God’s favor (grace) lasts a lifetime. The favor of God sustains us when our sinfulness has condemned us. A more contemporary way of repeating this verse is “the correction or discipline of God’s is for a moment, but his grace abides forever.”

Therefore, no matter how alarming things may seem in the world due to Covid-19, the saints of God can depend on the favor of God. Covid-19 will last for a moment. The economic crisis related to Covid-19 will lasts but for a moment. That is because God’s grace will not allow us to be destroyed. Whereas, human beings brought about the devastation of Coronavirus upon the earth. God’s grace will save us from its wrath.

Nevertheless, the momentariness of some people's experience with Covid-19 may be devastating. We should not minimize the pain of those who lost loved ones and their employment. We have to mourn with those who mourn. Yet we should not mourn as people without any hope.

As believers we know that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord (Romans 8:28). That is why we can say, “Weeping may stay overnight, but there is joy in the morning.” Even in death we find joy because we are confident that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8).

That may not be encouraging for non-believers, but it is a valid reason for those who have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ to praise him. Indeed, let us turn our pressure into praise during these difficult times. It is okay to be concerned about friends and loved ones, but let us turn our anxiety into adoration, and our worries into worship. For, the joy of the Lord is our strength.

Perhaps you are weeping for lost employment or for a loved one. Please, take the necessary time to mourn without guilt. However, make sure you mourn with hope as you look forward to the joy of the Lord.

“Morning” represents new beginning. It is a symbol of hope and restoration. When the dust settles, and Covid-19 is no longer a threat, lost jobs will be restored, failed businesses will bounce back. The economy will be strong again. We will see our loved ones that have transitioned to glory on the great awakening morning.

In the meantime, let us praise God from whom all blessings flow. After you read this devotional, just find a private space and shout praises to the Lord. Do not allow Covid-19 to stop your praise. Remember, God did not bring you this far to forsake you. So, go ahead and shout so loud that every demon in hell will get frightened. For, the joy of the Lord is coming in the morning.

Prayer- Blessed Lord, please comfort those who are mourning a lost in their lives. Remind them that weeping may stay overnight, but joy comes in the morning.