Joy Cometh In The Morning

“For his anger endureth but a moment: in his favor is life. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”—Psalm 30:5

Verily here is a glorious assemblage of comforting truths, like a reviving cordial of rich compounds to enliven drooping spirits. Too, too often do God’s children judge of their Father’s love from corrupt ideas. Through the carnality of their natures, the depravity of their judgment, the weakness of their faith, the uncertainty of their frames and feelings, and the artful insinuations of Satan, their loving Father is considered as an implacable being, full of wrath and anger against them. But this is contrary to God’s revelation of himself in Christ Jesus as a God of love. So also is it injurious and hurtful to the souls of the faithful; for it damps their love, distresses their spirits, deadens the exercise of their graces, and hinders their increase in holiness; the essence of which is founded in the love of God. Therefore such views come not from God. But thus Satan gains an advantage, and triumphs over poor souls, with, ‘There, there, so would I have it.’ 

What can the believer do, whither can he fly, what course can he take? All legal efforts are in vain—creature acts ineffectual—from self and nature no hope can spring. What can he think? Truly, stand amazed that he is out of hell. He cannot sink lower in his views of himself, than what his just deserts are. But never so miserable can he be in his own sight, but the grace of God in Christ Jesus is all-sufficient to afford hope and help. In nature’s despair, grace triumphs. A sense of momentary anger heightens returning favour. The joy of the morning is improved by a past night of sorrow. God ever rests unchangeable in his love to his people. This is the essence of gospel grace and truth. That we vary and fluctuate in our apprehensions of his love, is natural to our very existence, as old and new creatures. But we have a more sure word of prophecy, whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts. 2 Pet. 1:19 The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Rev. 19:10 The favour of God to sinners is in Christ, who is their life, and the source of all their graces and comforts. His love is unchangeably the same to Christ, and to all who are united to him by faith. Rejoice therefore in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice. Phil. 4:4

How will the pow’rs of darkness boast 

If but one praying soul be lost!

But I have trusted in thy grace, 

And shall again behold thy face.

Whate’er my fears or foes suggest, 

Thou art my hope, my joy, my rest;

My heart shall feel thy love, and raise 

My cheerful voice to songs of praise.

Thine anger but a moment stays.

Thy love is life and length of days: 

Tho’ grief and tears the night employ, 

Thou, Morning-Star, restor’st my joy.