"For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning" (Psalm 30:5).

I had a very painful back molar removed awhile back.  For over a year this pesky tooth had been decaying and I procrastinated in taking care of it.  For as long as I could I just put up with the very painful flare-ups.  Finally I dealt with it.  But for some time after the tooth extraction I was still in pain.

Brooksyne made an interesting observation that has an assuring spiritual application. For over a year I endured the pain of a decayed tooth that needed to be removed.  I had to deal with the pain at the time of removal and the subsequent pain of healing. 

Our lives are like that.  Many live with the awful pain of sin, either unaware of God's solution or unwilling to believe and follow God's prescribed plan for healing.  If that's you this morning I urge you to humble yourself and accept God's plan of healing for the soul. * 

But I know that many of you who follow after Christ are still dealing with the inevitable pain of healing. You've turned to Christ in faith and dealt with the sin problem.  You have received His wonderful forgiveness and acceptance into His family. But now you may very well have a time of healing which itself can be so painful.

I believe a portion of the daily verse is especially helpful here. "Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."  Some of you, in overcoming your years of life in sin are dealing with the pain of healing, as over time God is working out the issues in your life. Many others are dealing with pain as a result of God's providential, often mysterious dealings, in your life. I consider a couple friend in which the wife is dealing with cancer. You wonder if it's really worth it and tend to forget the surging pain that is never-ending when you lived in sin. 

Stay faithful.  God's promises are faithful and true.  Many have gone before you and can testify that "it will be worth it all when we see Jesus."  Joy will come in the morning! 


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Note from Brooksyne:  I find the Scripture today interesting in light of Rev. 21:25 where John, describing heaven, writes "for there will be no night there."   I consider those of you who may find there are particular problems in your life where weeping has lasted far more than a single night or a temporary time period, but rather weeping seems to be lasting a lifetime.  You're still waiting for the night to pass and morning to arrive when joy takes the place of weeping.  Perhaps we need to put a lot more thought, prayer, and Scripture memorization into the spiritual disciplines that fix our hope on our eternal future where we are assured that "there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain" (Rev. 21:1-4).  And there will be no more night because the glory of God gives it light (Rev. 21:23.) We remain steadfast in prayer for those critical issues we deal with. But our hope will never be diminished when we look with anticipation for the New Jerusalem that promises to bring the unending sunlight of God's eternal joy.

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As Brooksyne shared concerning those dealing with critical issues we both have on our hearts the couple I mentioned in which the wife is dealing with cancer. She has been through numerous surgeries and treatments but they remain in a night period waiting for resolution. I spoke to this brother the other day and he testified of God's sustaining grace through this lengthy trial. Today I especially pray that they will have an assurance that the morning of joy is coming! Brooksyne and I prayed this morning for them and all dealing with a nighttime experience as they await for the morning.

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* Here's a common prayer that expresses faith in God's plan of salvation.  It's often called "the sinner's prayer".  If you have not done so already I urge you to pray this prayer from your heart today.  "Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner.  I believe that You came to this earth and died on the cross as a substitute for me.  I place my faith in You and what You have done for me.  I receive You into my life and choose this day to follow and serve You.  Thank You for hearing my prayer."

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Day of Prayer: Yesterday we had a beautiful day for our National Day of Prayer and I am thankful for the millions of prayers that went up from earnest believers all throughout this country.  I appreciate the united effort of Christians praying together in churches, outside civic buildings and many prayer walks throughout communities.  May we that earnestly follow the Lord grow in unity, not just on National Day of Prayer but on an ongoing, regular basis as we seek to make a difference in our land.

Next week on May 15 there is a Global Day of Prayer, which calls Christians from all over the world to united prayer on a single day. This is an incredible vision and the website indicates the degree of participation all over the world. Take a look and see if your country is listed! I looked and I know there are recipients of this email ministry who live in countries not listed. In some cases you would be under severe restrictions in regard to any public gathering for prayer but perhaps you can still join your brothers and sisters in your private place or with a small group.

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