Father, it is overcast and unfortunately, it reflects the mindsets of many today. Help us to seek Your joy to fill us, may it seep through our cracks so that’s warmth and light may touch the lives of others. Amen.

********

It seems that we are in an unprecedented time of despair and depression. Some held false hope that we had been through the worst of COVID…but that is not the case. Where in the past we have had some sense of unity in the midst of such things, this thing has brought division on multiple fronts. And one of our mainstays – the Church – has seen more division than I can recall it ever having before.

And that is just one of the many points of division that we find ourselves surrounded by…and there seems to be no escape.

Just a few days ago, I wrote of the joy we find in Jesus (Speed Bumps!) but I must admit I, along with many friends and family, are struggling. Everything seems to have piled up on us – it is overwhelming!

So, I went back and looked through some of the many posts on More Than Useless that have spoken of joy. And I thought I would share one from a few years back (and its picture, too!)

********

The shepherd boy David, who became one of Israel’s greatest kings, was more than a shepherd, more than a warrior, more than a king, and he excelled at all of those things – he was also very gifted in expressing himself in his writings. Hear his inspired words recorded in Psalm 30:4-5,

Sing to the Lord, all you godly ones!
Praise his holy name.
For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime!
Weeping may last through the night,
but joy comes with the morning. NLT

How often in life are our eyes downcast from the circumstances in which we find ourselves. I will agree that ofttimes our “weeping…through the night” may seem to last for an eternity. Many trials in this life overwhelm us – the passing of loved ones, crumbling of relationships, loss of jobs, shattering of dreams…need I go on?

It may never seem to end…but it does. The cold and rain do not last forever. “Joy comes with the morning” as the dismal, disheartening elements give way to the brightness and warmth of joy!

We most assuredly serve a mighty God. And regardless of the roads, we must travel, He is with us all the way. The portion of Hebrews 13:5 states,

“I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!” AMP

We are blessed beyond measure even in the midst of the storms of life. Again, “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.”

********

Lord Jesus, we come humbly before You. We need You, as we always do, but we would pray for joy! We know that You are there for us and have an unending supply for us. Help us to not look so much at where life finds us, but may we look at You. You are our hope and salvation! May it ever be! Amen.

Sept 28th, 2021, Tues, 12:35 pm