Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

Psalm 30:5 NKJV

I’ve often leaned into the phrase “joy comes in the morning” as I tuck myself in bed, burdened by the day’s events. I trust the truth, yet I have never considered its source. The phrase, “joy comes in the morning” is actually tucked within King David’s song of praise for God who had healed him. David was not only joyful about getting well, but also over the ability to continue his hopeful preparation for building the temple. The praise song David composed was for the eventual dedication of the temple. Listen to the description of his joy when his God healed him:

You turned my wailing into dancing;

you removed my sackcloth and

clothed me with joy,

that my heart may sing to you and not

be silent.

O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.

Psalm 30: 11,12 NKJV

We don’t know what David suffered from, nor how many evenings he wept as he dropped off to sleep wondering about his life, his dreams and his future. What we do know is that God healed him, and David captured the truth he discovered during that trial—weeping might endure for a night but joy comes in the morning (v. 30 NKJV). It’s a statement of hope, of trust and of faith in a sovereign and loving God. 

The next time I place my weary head upon my pillow longing for morning joy, I’ll think of David’s testimony. I’ll smile knowing the same God is watching over me, and my own joy awaits—either here on earth or eternally in His presence! 

Linda Lesniewski