Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning

Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning

“Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Psalm 30:5b

Last night I found myself awake at 2 am. I was restless and could not sleep, so I got up and went downstairs to read the bible and pray.  After meditating on God’s word and praying, my mind and spirit were at peace and I was able to go back upstairs and get more sleep.

When I woke up, Christy and I drove to get some coffee; she then headed to work and I started walking back home, for some exercise. It was early in the morning so the sun was lower in the sky; it seemed so quiet and peaceful; I felt grateful and I started praying and thanking God for the everyday things that I normally take for granted. I thanked him for the ability to breathe and to walk, and to be outside in the fresh air.  My mind wandered back to my early morning restlessness.My heart was full of thanksgiving for being able to go back to sleep.  

To most people that may not be a big deal, but I had a season in my life, where I was not getting enough sleep.  I tried many ways to get back to sleep, but my body was on hyper drive and as I would drift off, my body would shake me awake.  My peace of mind went away, my thoughts became jumbled and I wondered why God was allowing me to go through this trial.

 

It seemed the antithesis of his recent promise to me of blessing.  I started to wonder, what I did wrong.  Old memories of past sin and the feel of abandonment washed over me.  I felt stuck and thought I would never be released from this life sucking trial.  I prayed, others prayed for me, and still I was struggling to fall asleep.

I ended up going to a doctor and taking some medication that would knock me out and allow me to sleep, but the side effect was like living life in slow motion.  I felt dull and depressed.

 ‘Where is your God in all of this? He has abandoned you.’ This was the taunting thought from the enemy.

My emotions felt this was true, but somewhere deep inside me was a flicker of hope, which I believe was from the Holy Spirit.  Even though my faith and feelings were at war and my faith was small, my God was greater than all.  I felt like I was hanging on by a thread, but the Mighty God of Israel, was holding this weak child in His arms.

Finally, one day a breakthrough happened.  God spoke healing to my heart and the dawn light rose in my spirit.  God restored my health and restored the joy of my salvation.  He lifted me out of the pit and did not let my enemy triumph over me.

Yes I had a dark night of weeping, but joy came in the morning!

I do not have an answer for every painful trial we go through, but I do know that there is a sunrise at the end of each trial.  I know that God is with us even in the dark night, though we cannot feel him.  I praise him for restoring my hope, strengthening me and healing my heart.    

I thank God for teaching me to learn to lean on him during my trials and I thank him for reminding me that He is my deliverer.  I am thankful for Jesus, for His faithfulness in suffering for us, so that he can comfort us in our suffering.

Lord, please comfort and strengthen your people.  May we look to you and trust that you will wipe away all our tears and bring joy with the morning sun.  Amen

(Devotional Reading-Psalm 30)

By Triss Curtis