Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
—Psalm 30:5

There is plenty of pain and suffering to go around these days.  Human beings are subject to so much that weighs down the heart.  Illness steals our energy and hope. Death of loved ones crushes our spirits.  Money troubles fill us with fear.  Relationships end and break our hearts. Jobs are lost and hurt our ego. Dreams are dashed, peace is disturbed, and we weep. 

We weep that things aren’t different. Sometimes our tears are silent, and sometimes like the Psalmist said, we drench our bed with tears. The weeping of the soul can seem endless when we’re in pain. We wonder if things will ever get better.

Then, the time of weeping passes.  We feel hope returning. Sometimes it’s because our situation has improved. Sometimes it’s that time has made space for healing. Sometimes it’s that God has shown mercy on us and sent the Spirit to relieve and protect us. 

Always, God has been present with us in our trouble and has watched over us through it. When morning comes and our tears are gone, we begin to dream new dreams and our soul feels light.

Gracious God, may your Spirit make me patient in suffering and thankful in joy.

^{Copyright © Cleophes Carter, Jr.}