Joy comes in the morning

Richard Smallwood once penned a song that went like this “Don’t be discouraged, joy comes in the morning, know that God is nigh. Stand still and look up, God is going to show up. He is standing by.” It’s one of my favorite gospel songs. One would think that also meant that I practice what the song says but the truth is, nope. I often find that my practice is quite the opposite. Instead, I find myself worried, afraid, doubtful and all the host of other negative emotions and thought processes that we humans tend to use as our go to. NEWSFLASH!!!! It doesn’t have to be this way. The lyrics of this song did not arise out of a vacuum!! Psalm 50:5 reminds us that “weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning.” Isaiah 41:10 preaches “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Joshua 1:9 shouts “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

The truth is that if we would just stand still, stand back and WAIT, God would show up! But you and I have to be willing to stand still and let Him do His thing. The promise is that when we do, joy comes. I want my joy, don‘t you?