Mourning gives way to morning. That’s what came to me when I meditated on this Scripture: “Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” (Ps 126:5-6)

We’ve all been in a place of grieving, sorrow, and depression, where we feel that these heavy burden will continue. It’s difficult to just put one foot in front of the other, much less to imagine that this season will end. If you find yourself in that place, as I have too many times in my life, know that the season will end and there is joy on the other side. Since there is joy on the other side, be joyful now in anticipation of all that He will do. “But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name be joyful in You.” (Ps 5:11)

God’s ability to restore life is beyond our understanding. Forests burn down and are able to grow back. Broken bones heal. Even grief isn’t a permanent condition. Our tears can be seeds that will grow into a harvest of joy because God is able to bring good out of tragedy.

This Scripture is a promise conveyed under images borrowed from agriculture. In the sweat of his brow the farmer tills his land, and casts the seed into the ground, where for a time it lies dead and buried. A dark and dreary winter succeeds, and all seems to be lost; but at the return of spring nature revives, and the once desolate fields are covered with wheat which, when matured by the sun’s heat, the cheerful reapers cut down, and it is brought home with triumphant shouts of joy.

As I think on this I am reminded of another Scripture, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Gal 6:9) No matter what we are able to see with our finite vision, we can joyfully anticipate what the Lord will do in our lives for His glory. Mourning gives way to morning, so we must continue to work for the Lord, praying that He will use the situation for His glory. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lam 3:22-23)

Keeping our eyes on the Lord and our ultimate destination in heaven with Him, will keep joy in our hearts despite present circumstances. “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” (Is 35:10)

As I’ve meditated on this promise, it’s the day after a thunderstorm woke me in the middle of the night because the electricity was flashing on and off. Today, it’s a beautiful day with a rare cloud in the sky. I’ve thought of another passage that tells us to thank Him for who He is, despite our circumstances. “Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.” (Ps 30:4-5) All day I’ve had the song in my head “Best News Ever” by MercyMe, and it’s fitting to end this post.

So won’t you come
Come all you weary and your burdened
You heavy laden and you hurting
For all of you with nothing left
Come and find rest (Matt 11:28)

What if I were the one to tell you
That the fight’s already been won
Well, I think your day’s about to get better
What if I were the one to tell you
That the work’s already been done
It’s not good news
It’s the best news ever