For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.

These beautiful lines come from a song David wrote for the dedication of the house of the Lord. David recounted the Lord’s rescuing him from a pit of despair. More than once David faced the Lord’s anger and discipline. He laid on his face and wept through the night. He understood anguish and pain.

Yet David encountered the Lord’s joy as well. He experienced God’s favor throughout his years. David, despite his failings, returned to the Lord after every transgression. He followed this pattern his entire life, and his weeping always led to a dawning of grace.

When David cried for mercy the Lord transformed his mourning into dancing. Why would our Father in Heaven not meet us in the same way? Perhaps we need to ask in humility and look for the light to appear.

Favor from the Lord—the best lifetime guarantee you and I will ever receive.

Psalm 30:1-5

Photo by Rafael Peier