Today's Devotional

June 17, 2003

Subject:  On His Good Side

Psalms 30:5 - "For his anger endureth but a moment; his favor lasts a lifetime: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

Many of us have heard the second part of this verse quoted often.  It has almost become cliche in some circles.  However, the first part of the verse is more unfamiliar.  It talks about why the joy comes in the morning.  

We have many heartaches and pains in this life and some of them are of our own making.  It happens because of sin.  As God's children, we are chastised by our loving Father.  In fact, our Father hates sin so much that He had His son die to pay for ours.  However, when we sin now, we grieve God.  We have to understand though that the guilt associated with that sin is different than the conviction accompanying that sin.  As children of God, we have favor that lasts a lifetime.  

When we have God's favor, we know like Job, that although today looks bleak, joy comes in the morning.  When we have favor, we know like Moses, although there is a red sea ahead of us, His favour will make provision for us to get to the other side.  When we have the favour of God, we know like Stephen, though we may be killed for our faith, our God has prepared a greater place for us.  

Yes, joy comes in the morning and that's because we, the children of God, have everlasting favor of the Father of the Universe.

Carlen