With the Morning

“I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up
    and have not let my foes rejoice over me.
O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,
    and you have healed me.
O Lord, you have brought up my soul from Sheol;
    you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.

Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints,
    and give thanks to his holy name.
For his anger is but for a moment,
    and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night,
    but joy comes with the morning…

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
    you have loosed my sackcloth
    and clothed me with gladness,
that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
    O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!” Psalm 30:1-5,11-12

David knew the deliverance and favor of the Lord, from first anointing through many dangers, toils, and snares. He knew the sorrow that accompanied deception, betrayal, and loss, the exhaustion of dogged pursuit and battle. He knew that being beaten down left nowhere to look but up, that bereft silence was impetus for crying out. Hard experience and fluxing emotion were no stranger to this man after God’s heart, the divine heart that knew every one in full. Neither was continual praise, praise to that victorious One who through it all gave the promise of joy and gladness. (Psalm 31:10-14; John 11:35)

Every deliverance of our Lord, small or great, is an expression and instilling of hope. It is His loving nudge that lifts our head, His prompt that turns desperation to dependence. God’s ears bent to our prayers are meant to remind us that He is nigh, and His endings are gracious and good. He faithfully remains, and works in every tear and moment for our good. He keeps in perfect peace those who trust and pray. Yes, weeping may endure, but for a limited time, and joy in the morning is as certain as the sun will rise. (Psalm 3:3; Isaiah 26:3; Romans 8:28)

What is our resolve, weary souls? Have we made melancholy our way of life, shedding measureless tears our resignation? Do we oft repeat the anger and mourning we’ve become accustomed to, or turn it over to the freedom, gladness, and song God will fully restore? Can we look beyond, and upward, and grip the hope that He is? Will we extol Him, recounting His draw, His grace-bought salvation, with gladness? Will we plead, remembering His past healing and restoration and counting on it again? What hinders our giving thanks to Him forever?

“What language shall I borrow
to thank Thee, dearest Friend,
for this, Thy dying sorrow,
Thy pity without end?
O make me Thine forever!
And should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never
outlive my love for Thee.” ~Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)

Words give me to extol Thee
my Victor, Savior, Praise
for You I lift my voice,
Your exaltation raise!
Tho weeping damps the shadows,
Your joy with morning comes.
Clothe me with thankful gladness
for You, most Worthy One. (PEB)

Father, help me live, even in dark times, rejoicing in You with a morning countenance and glad praise, for Your glory.