March 22–Joy Comes in Morning

Happy Friday! Has this been a good week for you? We have seen the sun most of the week here in southwest Missouri so regardless of anything else, we are a happy people. It seems like we had an extra long spell of darkness and dreary-ness with miserable cold weather which makes us all super appreciative to see sunny days. 


I think that is how it is in our lives as well. Those of us who have been through the darkness—a stretch of it where we could depend on no one to help us but our Father God—truly appreciate it when He leads us out into the sunshine again. 


“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23:4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

"He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds." Psalms 147:3

“...Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭30:5‬ ‭NLT‬‬


And joy does come in the morning. Sometimes in baby giggles, sometimes in a 12-year old’s “I love you”, sometimes in a good cookie, and sometimes in binge watching with a big bowl of popcorn with a friend. But the important thing is—it does come. That weeping can be hard, gut wrenching and physically painful, and it can last for what seems to be forever. But hold on friend, the night will give way to morning and for the child of God, joy and a sunshiny day. 


Father God, you have been Yahweh Nissi to us when we have walked through the darkest times of our lives. You have been the banner over us that has protected us and comforted as we made our way through the awfulness of the night. Thank you for the promise of the morning joy. Your sunshine and delight are new and fresh every day and you are the reason we sing hallelujah! Bless us this day and we ask you to surround us with your protection and love. You are the great I Am and we honor you. Amen and amen. 


Love you dear friend,

Pam


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