God Turns Sorrow Into Joy

Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:4-5

When life turns ugly and stays ugly, it’s easy to become trapped in an emotional vortex. Disappointment, discouragement, disillusionment, devastation, depression—down and down we spin until we may finally believe God hates us, and all hope is lost.

Psalm 30 by King David gives us a different perspective: the promise that hard times do not last forever. Whether our difficulties are trials intended to strengthen and test our faith (see James 1) or divine discipline intended to correct and train us (see 2 Corinthians 12), the fact remains that God is praiseworthy. He can be counted on to shower his people with favor. He will eventually turn your mourning into dancing (see Psalm 30:11; Isaiah 54:7-8; and John 16:20-22)

GOD’S PROMISE TO ME
• My favor endures.

• You will not weep forever.

• I will bring you joy.

MY PRAYER TO GOD
Lord, you are holy and worthy of praise! I want to worship you at all times—when life is good and when it is difficult. Hard and sad times are temporary, but your favor is continually with me. Though I weep and mourn now, I want to believe—really believe—that you are in control.