Joy comes...

In the aftermath of the tragedy at Virginia Tech, I would like to remind all my readers that God is still in control. He is on his throne, and He still directs the affairs of men.

For those who in the midst of this pain cry out "Where is God? Doesn't He care?!" I point to the Cross of Christ. God cares so much that He provided a way to escape the coming wrath. He cares so much that He took on your punishment, He sacrificed Himself in my place.

He promises to comfort His children in our pain so that we may comfort others in the same way. He promises to work all things together for good - at least for those who love His name, to those who follow Him. All of God's promises in Christ are "Yes, and Amen."

And through the darkness of the night, He promises that joy will come in the morning:

I will extol You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up,
And have not let my foes rejoice over me.
LORD my God, I cried out to You,
And You healed me.
O LORD, You brought my soul up from the grave;
You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.

Sing praise to the LORD, you saints of His,
And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.
For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.

The Son of Heaven, the Lord of Glory, the Lord of Hosts - God our Provider, God our Healer, God our Redeemer - will rise with healing in in His wings. He will give new life, and He will give it abundantly. He will give it out of the bounty of His riches, and out of the wonder of His mercy.

For those who have His favor, joy always comes in the morning...