Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. — Psalm 30:5

Reading: Psalm 30

Reflection:

Sitting at the breakfast table this morning with the sun rising and nature awakening, I couldn't help but think of the following passage from the Psalmist: Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning (Psalm 30:5).

We don't know where the COVID-19 pandemic will go next. Will it disappear in the next few months? Will it reappear this fall? Will there be an outcome we could never foresee? Regardless, our government has made the difficult decision that it is time to relax restrictions and begin to restart public life again. 

Each of us has had to bear up under this pandemic in different ways, but each of us has had to suffer. Some of us have become ill, some have died, and all have had their lives disrupted. We are called in Romans 12 to Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep (v. 15). While weeping has been a part of this pandemic, joy is coming. There will be joy, Christian, as the morning is coming! 

Before we slip back into life-as-always, which gave us a certain confidence before this pandemic, let us remember the words of one of the early church's great pastors, John Chrysostom: Improve yourselves now truly, not as when during one of the numerous earthquakes or in famine or drought or in similar visitations you leave off your sinning for three or four days and then begin the old life again. 

May his words stir us to greater faith and greater works. Let us not forget how we have been challenged to greater faith in the Lord's providence. 

Let us not forget how much we depend on one another. Let us not forget how good it is to not [neglect] to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near (Hebrews 10:25). 

Let us remember as we are commended in 1 Thessalonians 5 to [r]ejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (vv. 16-18). 

Let us remember Christ's words from the Sermon on the Mount: You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16).

Brothers and sisters, when our tears of weeping turn into tears of joy, let us be changed by the Spirit at work in us to shine as never before. The Church of Christ has an opportunity to represent Christ to our culture — let us pray that hearts will be changed and lives renewed through its witness. May we be improved by the Holy Spirit to live lives that are changed and sanctified, all to the glory of Christ.

Response:

1. How will you be changed by this pandemic?
   
   
2. How will you impact those around you with your faith in Christ?
   
   
3. To be challenged even further with a short sermon by John Chrysostom after a natural disaster in his city, read “Sermon on the Occasion of an Earthquake.” 

For the CPC Session,

Shawn Horrall, M.D., D.T.M.&H.