12-31-07 Psalm 30:5

Psalm 30:5 (NAS)
For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning.

Psalm 30:5 (NLT)
His anger lasts for a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes with the morning.

You know that once you were destined to feel the anger of God. You were a man full of sin, with no hope of salvation. You knew that Adonai was displeased with you. You imagined that if you looked on His face, you would see His nostrils flare in anger. However, even though this was true, it lasted only as long as a wink of an eye. God's momentary fury was turned aside when Jesus was raised from the grave. You received God's mercy and forgiveness. In that instant the Almighty's wrath was turned into quiet rest and peace.

Now when the Lord God looks upon you, you know that He takes pleasure and delight in you. You have received His acceptance, good will, and favor. Yeshua satisfied His Father's justice, paying the penalty for your sin. You have been set free forever from its hold. As the Lord sustains your life, you are quickened and restored. Neither sickness nor death have any part in you. No longer are faintness and discouragement your lot. Forever you will remain green, fresh, and full of life.

At times you may experience seasons of weeping and sorrow. Grief and humiliation may try to attach themselves to you, but do not embrace them. Your lament may last for a night and you may experience darkness for an evening. However, do not become embittered, for joy will soon return. So lift your voice in praise. Instead of grief, let the joy of the Lord overcome you. Exaltation and the brightness of morning will replace the dark distress of the night. Seek and look for it, for it shall surely come