“Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning”

March 6, 2023

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David experienced as many ups and downs, triumphs and sorrows as anyone in life. As a shepherd, giant-slayer, folk hero, warrior, fugitive, exile, father, and king, he had seen it all and was certainly no stranger to the unexpected and unpredictable nature of life.

But in everything, David, who is referred to in the Bible as a “man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22), kept his eyes on the Lord. When times were tough, he cried out to God in frustration; and when God was faithful, David lifted his voice in praise.

Today, believers are encouraged by the life and transparency of David, who proved to be much more than just a warrior or king. In the joyous times, hopeless moments, and every season in between, David poured his emotions into poetry and music. We know these songs today as the Psalms.

Psalm 30:5 in particular offers insight into the promise of Jesus’ resurrection, and renewal that after our darkest nights we can see joy in the morning.

For years, David had been on the run from King Saul, and as a fugitive, he had faced tremendous affliction and persecution. It was in this season that David wrote some of his most honest and emotional Psalms (Psalms 51, 54, 56, 57, 59, 142).

Even though God had delivered David from the hands of his enemies, including Saul, on numerous occasions, after ascending to the throne, David grew complacent and spiritually lax, “fancying himself secure.”

“Now as for me, I said in my prosperity, ‘I will never be moved.’” (Psalms 30:6)

According to the Treasury of David, “when God’s children prosper one way, they are generally tried another, for few of us can bear unmingled prosperity.”

As David grew self-assured and satisfied during a season of prosperity, God intervened, challenging him to return his eyes the Lord. Unlike many, however, David understood that his struggle was not God trying to tear him down. Rather, God was humbling His servant and allowing him to be tested as a means of growing and strengthening him.

This, of course, aligns with the theology of James who wrote to, “consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)

In the midst of David’s personal struggle, when things seemed darkest and most uncertain, he wrote, “for His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)

As someone who had experienced a lifetime of heartache and godly favor, David wrote from experience, knowing that any pain, anxiety, and struggle he would face in life were only temporary. In his darkest and most desperate hours, David had called out to the Lord, and God had answered. Every time!

No night lasts forever. The sun will always rise, and with the dawn comes the blessing and favor of the Father, who is hard at work to bless, strengthen, and deliver His children. David had seen this time and time again.

Life may not be perfect, comfortable, or free of pain and struggle, not even for the most faithful servant of God. But in the midst of our pain, uncertainty, and fear, God is always with us and working for us.

We may feel hopeless, discouraged, and afflicted in the moment, unable to see the light, but as Jeremiah, the prophet, wrote, “blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8)

David would continue, “you have turned my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness.” (Psalms 30:11)

About the Author

Joel Ryan is a children’s book author, writing professor, and contributing writer for Crosswalk, Christianity.com, Stand Firm Men’s Magazine, and others. He is passionate about telling great stories, defending biblical truth, and helping writers of all ages develop their craft. Joel discusses, analyzes, and appreciates the great writings of the past and present on his website, Perspectives off the Page.