For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favour lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Psalm 30: 5
When Jesus was being led to the cross, it was a gloomy day. He had been beaten and scourged. Men had spat on Him, and put a crown of thorns on Him. Isaiah 53 : 4 - 5 describes it explicitly - Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
There may be times in our lives that we may feel deserted and alone. Forsaken by the Lord just as Jesus felt as he hang on the cross - About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?” that is, “MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?” Matthew 27 : 46.
Sometimes we may feel as though we are enclosed, as though there is no way out of our troubles - just as if we are in a grave. Jesus was put in a grave. He felt forsaken by God, and though He cried out to God, He was still led to a grave. Did God not hear His cry?
Isaiah 53 : 10 -12 reads Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer,and though the LORD makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand. After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Suffering can be a part of God's will, when through suffering a greater good can be achieved. Sometimes God will allow suffering and pain to bring us to greater heights, and to be used to minister to others. Take heart, and know what appears like the Hand of God against you, is rather His arms around you. God is with you through pain and suffering. It is night time, but dawn is breaking, that is why it looks the darkest. It is darkest just before dawn.
Jesus's night lasted for three earthly days. His weeping stayed for sometime. At that time his followers were devastated - their master was no more! But God , their faithful God curtailed their weeping, and brought them joy after three days.
Your story is about to change, for your joy is breaking forth. Prepare to rejoice, to sing - Psalm 30 : 11 - 12 You turned my wailing into dancing;you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. LORD my God, I will praise you forever.
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