“For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5
A part of the journey in following Jesus is discovering new mysteries in Him. Almost like “waking up” to a new reality in our walk with Him. This week, a verse that I’ve known by heart for as long as I can remember took on a new and precious meaning.
I’ve always assumed that the verse above (Psalm 30:5) was speaking of hardship in our lives. “When times are difficult, when we’re down and out, just hold on, ‘cause joy’s coming in the morning!” While it is true that our sorrow and troubles are fleeting, and we ought to wait on God for the joy that is to come, I think there’s more to this verse.
God is teaching me that brokenness and joy go hand in hand. They’re actually dependent on one another. I’m not sure we can have the real joy that is ours in Christ if we’re not broken.
I have had an increased awareness of my sin this week. It seems that God is just giving me grace to see my wretchedness in light of His glory. He has broken my heart over and over. Yet even in my brokenness, joy is bubbling over! When I am obedient to confess my sin and adjust my life accordingly, joy comes like a morning dawn breaking over the horizon. This week has been one big daybreak!
I have gone from brokenness to joy… from brokenness to joy… brokenness… joy… brokenness… joy!
This is the “normal” Christian life. Although all this is not really new to me, it is strangely… new. Why? Because I’m free. For so long I have not been able to see myself as I am. For too long I have been far too aware of others’ sin and not my own.
My experience over the last several days is what I call personal revival. I pray that God will revive His work in your life as well!
Lord, let me be your match to set the world ablaze!
