“… weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psalm 30:5
Many are weeping. Someone may be dealing with a serious health issue or the death of a loved one or having lost all their earthly possessions, and so on…
Recently, we have seen devastating pictures of Hurricane Idalia in Florida and also fires in Hawaii, causing many deaths and incredible destruction. The pictures are heart-wrenching, including those living in war zones like in the Ukraine.
There is so much sickness, sadness, suffering, death and destruction happening all over this world.
Today may be a time of weeping, but it is just “for a night.” We must remember that what we are going through is only temporary in comparison to eternity.
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (James 1:2-4, New Living Translation)
When we go through trials, our faith is tested which helps us to grow and mature.
None of us wants to experience pain and suffering. We know that God must have a purpose as He allows it. Believer or unbeliever, NO ONE is exempt from these trials as the Bible says that our Father, “…sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45)
When something inexplicable happens, we can lean on the verse, “…Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25)
God knew us before we were born. “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee;….,” God told Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:5). He is aware and interested in every aspect of our lives. He is in control of our circumstances and allows things to happen. We must believe our Father cares and loves us and has in view what is best for us so we can grow to become the sons and daughters he desires.
Nothing happens by accident without his knowledge. If he brings us into challenging circumstances, He will provide the grace needed to endure. Remember when Paul, the apostle, had “a thorn in the flesh.” He prayed that it would be removed. As far as we know, it never was. “And [the Lord] said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
The Lord Jesus Christ said that he will never leave us nor forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5). Here is what should comfort us – that the Lord is going through the circumstance WITH us! Dwell on that thought for a moment or two!
In another place we read that he is touched with the feelings of our infirmities (Hebrews 4:15).
We must keep things in perspective:
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthian 4:17-18)
“Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” (James 5:8)
His return is imminent. He may come today!
There will come a time in the future that, “… God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
Dear brother, dear sister, cheer up! Be encouraged! Our future is bright because we are linked with Christ for eternity!
“…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning!”
“Because He Lives” by Bill Gaither
God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone,
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!
How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he brings;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!
And then one day, I’ll cross the river,
I’ll fight life’s final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to victory,
I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He lives!
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!