Joy Comes in the Morning

It is not uncommon for me to multi-task by the end of the day. In truth, I just about have to in order to accomplish all that I wish to have done. But every so often, I run across a need that calls for my undivided attention and last Monday was one of those times. As I was scrolling through my list of private messages, I read a brief text from an extremely talented young man.

“…My friend had a heart attack and died. He was 20 years old. As many times as I could have talked to him about God…I was too busy getting high.”

These words ripped me apart, but for more than just the obvious reason; they are familiar to me. On more than one occasion, I have spoken this exact remorse and I personally know what his heart is suffering. Regret is one of the worst shames anyone can ever live with and knowing that opportunity was abundant, makes it even worse. I immediately prayed for this guy’s brokenness, but the words of encouragement that I sent to follow weren’t easy to write.

One thing that I have learned throughout my own painful journey is that affliction can blind, but the Lord is never without purpose. Even as His own Son was tortured and hung on a cross at Calvary, He rose again and brought with it the free eternal gift of Salvation for all who repent and call upon His name. NEVER did He not intend to use Christ’s pain and sacrifice. It was always as it should have been, and is as it should be now for our own sanctification sake.

My final thoughts to my grief stricken brother is for him to seek out the intention of the Lord’s allowance and pull from it the lesson designed for his own personal growth. May you never forget dear friend, that God is just.

“For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”

Psalm 30:5 (ESV)