Struggle and hardship are common to all of us. We live, laugh, rejoice, and mourn together. And sometimes, a stormy season in life can feel never-ending, like there may not be a light at the end of the tunnel. But a powerful psalm of David reminds us otherwise.
Psalm 30:4-5 says, “Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”
To lay the foundation for this week’s inspiration, let’s consider the context of this chapter. As a psalm of thanksgiving, it was written by a man deeply familiar with hardship. David often cried out to God, asking why he had been forgotten, even opening Psalm 13 with the raw plea, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” He was a man with many enemies, frequently betrayed, and even dethroned and exiled by his own son, Absalom. He lived an arduous life marked by many dark moments. Yet in the midst of all that struggle, he could still declare in Psalm 46:1-3:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.”
Sometimes, in life’s darkest moments, time seems to slow. You feel all of the hurt, the struggle, and the fear of the night. But never forget that God is faithful and that his mercies endure forever (2 Thessalonians 3:3; Psalm 136).
And let me remind you, friends, regardless of what you may be going through, there is nothing you will face that is beyond what you can bear. 1 Corinthians 10:13 assures us: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
God doesn’t expect you to be strong enough to carry that burden alone. What he asks is that you bring it to him, for he calls those who are heavy laden, battered and bruised, to come to him for rest (Matthew 11:28-30).
You are loved and cherished. Never forget that. And as always, feel free to reach out below with any questions or prayer requests. God bless you all, shalom!
