This is Day 23 of 31 in my Write 31 Days series: 31 Stories of God’s Grace. I also am linking up for the Five Minute Friday. The FMF is hosted by Kate Motaung on her blog Heading Home. Today’s prompt is “Joy.” Write for five minutes; unedited.
“Weeping may come for the night, but joy comes with the morning!” –Psalm 30:5
This has become a favorite verse in my life. It really began to appear in my life after the 2010 Haiti Earthquake. My friend Renee, her husband Ben and Ben’s cousin Jon were in Haiti when the earthquake struck. I was in Gettysburg PA as a small group leader for the Diaconal Ministry formation event. Eventually we received the news of Ben’s death. My small group was to lead worship that night we found out Ben had lost his life in the earthquake. As people entered into worship, we had Ben’s version of Psalm 30 playing through the loudspeakers.
Ever since this song has become one of my favorites. It also is such a beautiful joy filled promise! Even in our darkest times, God finds a way to eventually show us light; to show us God’s grace at all times and in all places. God’s grace shines the light even in the most gut wrenching places. We just can’t always see it or find it.
Our lives are full of brokenness, sadness, celebrations, and joy. It is during those times when it feels like it is going to be night forever when God especially offers God’s grace. God knows when the morning and that joy will return.
For me, the joy has come in seeing my mom live a joy- filled faith-filled life. The joy has come in seeing a new relationship form where it once was broken. That joy has come in seeing friends finally get pregnant again after trying for so very long. I have seen that joy come in God’s grace being offered again and again and again!
If you are feeling like it is a long dark dank night, please know and trust in the promises of Psalm 30. That night soon will come to a close and you will be awakened to God’s grace as the sun begins to rise and a beautiful sunrise is spread out for your eyes to see.
“Weeping may come for the night, but joy comes with the morning!”–Psalm 30:5
Mourning into Dancing–Ben Larson
One of my favorite verses!!!
Mine too!
I wrote about this verse, too. It's hard to remember the joy that comes after the weeping. But, it does… Often in unexpected but beautiful ways. Thanks for this wonderful reminder! (I'm at spot 36!) -Annie
Yes, you did write about that verse too. You are so welcome.
That verse was especially comforting in 2002-3 when our family walked a very difficult road. xo Love you, Tara.
I am so glad you found comfort in those words! Love you too! xo
What a wonderful piece of encouragement. You always have a way of saying something meaningful even in the midst of struggle. I think it's a gift you've been given. Praise God for all he has done!
Thanks Natalie! It is fun to hear the gifts others see in ourselves. Thanks for pointing that gift out to me. Yes, praise God for all he has done!
This is so encouraging: "That night soon will come to a close and you will be awakened to God's grace as the sun begins to rise and a beautiful sunrise is spread out for your eyes to see." Amen, and amen! Thanks, friend, for your words of life!
Julie, thank you!
Lovely, Tara.
Thank You!!
Yes and yes! No matter how dark, God has the joy! We wrote on the same thing, and I thank you for the visit!
Carol, we did indeed write on the same thing. Thank you for visiting me too!
Oh yes… it may be Dark now… but He is Light and He always, always, ALWAYS comes!!!
Yes He always, always, ALWAYS comes!!
This is a beautiful post. "God's grace shines the light even in the most gut wrenching places." This is so true, and such a great reminder that we always have the hope of joy in God, whatever the circumstances.
Thanks Carly!
I have always loved this promise and have experienced it many times.
Me too!!
You're right! The perfect compliment to James 1:2-3!
It really is, isn't it?!?!
Thank you, Tara, for this reminder. In the craziness and weight of life we can become weary in the night. I am so grateful for His amazing grace that carries us through! So thankful for His faithfulness! (I'm in spot 40 this week at FMF)
You're welcome, Rachel! It is so easy to become weary of the night. I too am so thankful for God's amazing grace that carries us through!
Yes, because we know him joy comes in the morning. What an important reminder, I enjoyed reading your post.
Thanks, Shanancy!
I so needed these words tonight sweet Tara! My dad is on the hospital and it has been a very difficult day. Thank you for these timely words.
I am so glad my words spoke to you tonight. I am sorry it has been a difficult day. Glad my words were timely for you friend. I will also pray for you and your dad.
Tara,
Ben's song took me to our Green place from last week. Thank you for sharing. This verse brought me back to a youth conference from high school. "You've turned my mourning into dancing again, you've lifted my sorrow. I can't stay silent, I must sing for the joy has come."
Truly, the Spirit was with you as you wrote, though. There is so much praise and hope in your post this week. Not a drop of despair. Bless you, Tara!
Love,
Tammy
I am so glad Ben's song took you to that Green place from last week. Thank you for saying that my post is full of so much praise and hope and not a drop of despair. The Holy Spirit was definitely with me as I wrote. Bless you too, Tammy!