Night Time

Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalm 30:5

How long does your night last? In some cases it can endure for a very long time. In one sense this Psalm refers to a painful single physical night time, followed by the dawning of a new day which rises and brings relief, and even happiness. I can see another interpretation. Your night of weeping may have lasted a long time, with no sign of relief. You have prayed earnestly and with tears for a loved one, but it is still night in your heart, and theirs too.

I can hear the heartache of a weary one saying, when will it be morning? When will the sun rise and bring me relief and this promised joy? My night time has gone on for too long God. Please make it stop! This period of darkness may be due to your, or another person’s, health either physical or spiritual. It may be the uncertainty of making ends meet and as basic as putting food on the table for family. It may be the death of a very dearly loved parent, spouse or sibling and the light may have gone completely. When will I feel the warmth of the dawn?

Two things are certain in this verse. The night time and the morning dawn. We are assured that as certain as there is a long night time of weeping pain, there will be a morning sunrise of joy! David knew this more than most, but he was still able to see through the bleak darkness to the certainty of the coming joy. However long your and my night time lasts, let us hold fast to the assurance of the coming sunrise. It’s not a matter of ‘if’, but a matter of ‘when’!

Happy New Year 2010

And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:

"Give me a light, that I may tread safely into the unknown!"

And he replied:

"Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God.

That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way."

It seems to me that these old words are wise words. Like all New Years, they are just that, 'New' and therefore unknown. Little did we know as we stepped into last year, what lay ahead. We were each met with joy and sorrow, laughter and tears, but we made it to this time. Now we look ahead into 2010, unsure of ourselves, or our future, so what better way, or Guide, to lead us through the shadowy year which is in front of us all.


Resolutions are good, but not always dependable. We can be strong when we make them, but weak when it comes time to 'do' them. So, how about the simple solution and decide just to 'put your hand into the hand of God' as the poem advises, and let Him lead the way. After all, He already knows the path, and better still He knows our weaknesses.


...so to my readers, and all those we love and care about:
Here's to a brand new dawn. HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010!