Joy This Morning – Devotion 323 – SEEING THE EXTRAORDINARY

I can’t help but wonder if the writer of this verse met Monday mornings – “Joy comes with the morning”. Did this person really understand about getting up to go back to work or to a doctor appointment or to an unpleasant expectation? I feel good about saying joy comes on Saturday mornings. Joy can certainly be found on Sunday mornings. But joy comes with Monday mornings? That is a little more difficult to wrap my mind around. And this is the case because we don’t often understand joy.

The Psalmist is teaching the reader (or singer) to sing praise and give thanks to God. We are not to do this because everything always goes great. We do not do this because our situation is always perfect. We are to do this because of who God is. His anger lasts but for a moment but his care for us is endless. We may go the wrong way but there is always a path back. God’s love is so profound all we can do is praise him and give thanks. This is meant for tough times too. Weeping may go on for the night, but God’s light always shines brightest. It doesn’t mean the morning has all the problems go away. It doesn’t mean there isn’t struggle or disappointment or difficulties in the morning. It simply means God has not left us. Our relationship with the One who shines brighter than the sun is the One who also brings us joy. Joy is not about our lives going great and always getting what we want. Joy is given to us despite all of the things which we encounter. Joy is given because we are loved by God.

So, yes, joy even comes with Monday morning – and I would offer, especially on Monday morning. There are so many moments we have been given that we let pass by. This Monday, treasure the gift and know – joy is here today.

Focus Scripture:

Psalm 30:4-5

⁴Sing praises to the Lord, O you his faithful ones,
    and give thanks to his holy name.
⁵For his anger is but for a moment;
    his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may linger for the night,
    but joy comes with the morning.