LEAVE IT TO CLEAVER: Joy In The Morning

         “Sing to the Lord, you his faithful ones, and praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor, a lifetime. Weeping may stay overnight, but there is joy in the morning” (Psa. 30:4-5 CSB).

         Most of us in life’s journey have had the long night at the hospital — waiting in the coldness on hard chairs with furtive thoughts regarding a loved one who lies on the bed sick, deathly sick, in unconsciousness. The doctors and specialists have said, “We don’t know but will wait to see how it is in the morning.” Morning comes, and it comes early to the waiting family. Slowly, without any alacrity or dispatch, the doctors make their rounds hours after the expectant family has been up.

         Finally, after delaying for what seems like countless, mind-numbing, soul-hammering hours, the doctors and nurses gather around the pensive family. The chief doctor speaks: “It’s good news. Your loved one is awake now. The danger has passed. They are going to be alright. You can go in for a short visit now.”

         That is good news to an anxiously waiting soul! There is joy in the morning as those words flow from the physician’s lips to eager, waiting ears. It is a joy of relief. It is a joy of thanksgiving. Your family member is going to get well! They are going to be able to continue to be a part of your family.

         At this point after the ordeal of the long night, there must be pause — pause to remember the Great Physician who brought all this healing and miracle to pass. “Sing to the Lord, you his faithful ones, and praise his holy name.” How this event brings us to Him in praise! Even if we cannot sing a note, our hearts sing to the Lord in gratitude for His graciousness in this hour after our hours of deepest darkness — “…there is joy in the morning.”