Text:
Psalm 30:1-6
Memory Verse:
“For His anger is but for a moment, His favour is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).
Joy is an emotion of great happiness, which comes from having one’s heart’s desires met. It is a component of the fruit of the Holy Spirit and can be expressed through praise to God and songs of thanksgiving. The key to joy is knowing Christ Jesus, and the power of His resurrection.
Life sometimes throws up some unexpected challenges and life-threatening problems. In order to achieve our God ordained life’s purpose, however, we must tenaciously keep persevering because God is set to turn our sorrow into joy.
For many years, Hannah could not conceive. She felt unfulfilled, dishonoured and sorrowful. After waiting patiently for years, the Lord remembered her and turned her sorrow into overflowing joy (1Samuel 2:1-10). Naomi had a bitter life experience. She and her husband, Elimelech, and their two sons had travelled to Moab for greener pastures when their homeland was experiencing
famine. In the foreign land, she lost her husband and two sons. Though overwhelmed by the unexpected challenges, Naomi never lost faith in God’s
capability and faithfulness. Her night of sorrow eventually turned to a morning of joy (Ruth 4:13-17). Though in chains, Paul and Silas, expressed their joy through praises which could not be ignored by their fellow prisoners and souls were saved.
Everything that happens to a faithful Christian, whether pleasurable or painful, is allowed by God to develop him or her and bring joy at last (Romans 8:28). Are you presently in sorrow? Praise God for joy is coming your way!
Prayer Points:
1. Father, by Your assurance that joy comes, I refuse to be discouraged by any
circumstance of life.
2. Gracious God, turn my sorrow into dancing, and my sadness to joy.
