Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Psalms 30:4-5 NIV
In Psalm 30:4-5, David calls God’s people to lift their voices in praise. “Sing the praises of the Lord, you His faithful people…” He doesn’t leave us wondering why—we are to praise because “His anger lasts only a moment, but His favour lasts a lifetime. Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
This short passage offers a powerful insight into the nature of God. It reminds us that while God may discipline, He does so out of love and not out of cruelty or rejection. Instead, His correction is brief and purposeful, always motivated by love. His favour, by contrast, is enduring, lasting far longer than the momentary sting of divine displeasure.
The same theme echoes in Lamentations 3:31-33, where we read that the Lord “will not cast off forever. Though He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love. For He does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.” God’s discipline is never arbitrary. He does not delight in suffering. Every trial permitted by His hand is measured, meaningful, and filled with redemptive purpose.
Psalm 30 speaks to this truth with comforting clarity. Even in moments of failure or rebellion, God’s mercy still overshadows His judgment. His favour outlasts His anger. His compassion exceeds His correction. Those who have walked with Him for any length of time will testify to this—He is a Father who disciplines in love but restores with grace.
The psalmist’s assurance that “weeping may stay for the night” offers hope to those enduring hardship. Sorrow may visit, but it does not take up permanent residence. The night may feel endless at times, and the dawn may seem distant. Yet God’s promise stands firm: “Rejoicing comes in the morning.” This is not wishful thinking—it is a divine certainty.
Joy will come. Not might. Not maybe. Rejoicing comes in the morning.
It comes when we humble ourselves, turn from sin, and receive the cleansing work of Christ. It comes when our hearts are opened afresh to the love of God and the truth of His Word. Joy returns like daybreak—quiet but unstoppable. It brings with it the comfort and strength to continue.
This joy is not reserved for those with perfect faith or flawless records. It is for all who hope in the Lord. It is not dictated by our circumstances but rooted in God’s faithfulness. As Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:17, “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” Whatever grief we carry, the joy that follows will surpass it in both depth and duration.
Paul goes on in verse 18: “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” This must be the heart posture of every believer: a gaze fixed not on passing pain but on eternal hope. We do not deny the reality of sorrow, but we anchor our hearts in something greater—God’s enduring truth.
Let us hold fast to this promise. Whatever night we are walking through, morning is coming. The joy of the Lord is rising on the horizon, and it will not fail.
Living It Out
Where in your life do you feel the weight of the night? Take a moment to reflect on God’s promise that rejoicing comes in the morning. Choose today to believe in His faithfulness, even if your circumstances haven’t yet changed. Meditate on Psalm 30:5 and 2 Corinthians 4:17-18. Let them anchor your heart in truth. Lift your eyes to the unseen, trust in the God who never forsakes, and let His joy rise anew in you.