I exalt You, O Lord,
For You lifted me high
Up and out of the depths.
Lord, on You I rely.
I called You for help.
My broken soul You knit.
You brought me from the grave.
You saved me from the pit.
Sing to the Lord, you saints.
Now praise His holy name.
His anger is soon gone,
But His favor, the same.
Your weeping may remain
For only one lone night.
But your rejoicing comes
In the morning sunlight.
I said I felt secure.
I’ll never be downcast.
Lord, Your favor on me
Made my mountain stand fast.
But when You hid Your face,
I was dismayed and down.
To You, O Lord, I called.
For mercy is Your crown.
Destruction has no gain
As I go to the pit.
Will dust ever praise You?
Your faithfulness admit?
Hear my plea to You, Lord.
Be merciful to me.
Be my constant helper.
My life You’ll oversee.
You turned away my cries,
Mourning into dancing.
You removed my sackcloth,
Clothed with joy enhancing.
Never to be silent,
My heart now sings to You.
Lord, I will give You thanks.
Forever I’ll be true.
(Based on Psalm 30)
Nicole’s House is a one-year Christ centered transitional living program for women coming out of addiction in Northwest Arkansas. Their 6 pillar curriculum includes: Faith, Recovery, Support System, Self-Care, Life Skills and Career Planning. “Joy Comes In The Morning” is the title of their yearly celebration of what Christ has done for them through Nicole’s House. This week I attended this lovely celebration of success for these girls.
We all have tragedies, heartaches. illness, and disappointments. Yet, when we overcome them through prayer, faith, and perseverance, we have joy. Joy is always within. It is an internal satisfaction in all circumstances, knowing that Christ is the center of it all. Happiness is merely external, fleeting, and only achieved on earth. Joy is an internal, selfless, sacrificial, and spiritual connection with God. We need joy in our lives just as we need the Father and Jesus in our lives.
Joy comes in the morning. Sorrow will not have the last word in your life. How do we know? Because Jesus will have the last word. Be blessed with joy today!
