Psalm 30:5 (ESV) – 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.

I’ve met so many Christians that expect a trouble-free life. They believe Jesus’ number one concern is their ease and comfort. When troubles come, they aren’t prepared for it. It shakes their foundations because their foundations were built on falsehood. The truth is: suffering is inevitable in this life. We will experience loss, rejection, and pain. But those things don’t get the last word. 

Our passage today reminds us of these truths. The psalmist says in 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.”

This text provides a sobering truth: weeping may tarry for the night. Have you ever cried at night? Have you been heart-broken? Do you find nights difficult because of memories or regrets that creep in? This is not uncommon. Nighttime is the most difficult for me. I must guard my heart and mind against thinking terrible thoughts at night. I’ve laid in the bed many nights and thought about things I wish I would have done differently with my son, Kaleb. I never have these battles during the morning or daytime, just the nights. Nights are hard. Weeping may tarry for the night. We live in that kind of world. Even as believers, we will carry burdens that trouble our souls. 

But the good news in this text for us today is that joy comes in the morning. The Lord Jesus gives mercy to us. He sustains us through the dark nights. It is unrealistic to think you’ll never have difficulties or troubling times. But the hope we have is that those things are not indefinite. Jesus conquered the darkness because He is the light. We look to the light. We turn to the light and find our hope.

Recognize that life carries troubles and pains. The darkness can be incredibly difficult. But there is hope in Jesus that outshines the darkness. We have hope through Him. Cry out to Him when things appear dark.

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Thank Him for His closeness in our toughest times. 

Reflection & Journal:
- Why do so many Christians believe that they are exempt from troubles?
- What does nighttime and spiritual darkness have in common? Why are things usually more difficult at night?
- How can we endure the darkness and night with hope? 

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