GOD TURNS SORROW INTO JOY

International Bible Baptist Church

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GOD TURNS SORROW INTO JOY

Day 268

September 25, 2024 • Psalm 30:4–5

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Psalm 30:4-5

Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

When life turns ugly and stays ugly, it’s easy to become trapped in an emotional vortex. Disappointment, discouragement, disillusionment, devastation, depression—down and down we spin until we may finally believe God hates us, and all hope is lost.

Psalm 30 by King David gives us a different perspective: the promise that hard times do not last forever. Whether our difficulties are trials intended to strengthen and test our faith (see James 1) or divine discipline intended to correct and train us (see 2 Corinthians 12), the fact remains that God is praiseworthy. He can be counted on to shower his people with favor. He will eventually turn your mourning into dancing (see Psalm 30:11; Isaiah 54:7-8; and John 16:20-22)

GOD’S PROMISE TO ME:

• My favor endures.

• You will not weep forever.

• I will bring you joy.

MY PRAYER TO GOD:

Lord, you are holy and worthy of praise! I want to worship you at all times—when life is good and when it is difficult. Hard and sad times are temporary, but your favor is continually with me. Though I weep and mourn now, I want to believe—really believe—that you are in control. Amen.

GOD’S KINGDOM WILL LAST FOREVER

October 18, 2024 • Psalm 45:6

Psalm 45:6 Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. You have only to read the news on a continual basis to see how nations and regimes rise and fall. That’s because conquerors come and go. There will always be a new king, leader or politician on the horizon. This transitory nature of our world can be dismaying for those of us who crave permanence. For true permanence we have only to turn to God. In this psalm the psalmist declares the eternal nature of God’s kingdom. Unlike earthly kings who come and go, God’s kingdom will last for all eternity. The word temporary is not in God’s nature. Instead, we can count on him to always be King, always be just, and—best of all—always welcome new citizens to his kingdom. GOD’S PROMISE TO ME: • I will be King forever. • I will be fair forever. MY PRAYER TO GOD: Almighty God, I can only echo the traditional coronation phrase, “Long live the King.” Your throne will last forever. In this world of passing regimes, the concept of forever is hard to fathom. But it gives me comfort nevertheless. Amen.

GOD’S PLANS SOMETIMES DIFFER FROM YOURS

October 17, 2024 • 1 Corinthians 1:27–29

1 Corinthians 1:27-29 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. “That’s the craziest plan I ever heard!” Scientists and famous inventors probably hear those words a thousand times. Some of these “crazy” plans have resulted in the development of many inventions we hold dear, as well as scientific theories—like gravity—we take for granted as true. God’s plan to work in our world often seems “crazy”. He uses the “foolish things” and the “weak things” and the “lowly things” to accomplish his purposes. This promise also shows us that God’s ways are not our ways. “ ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord” (Isaiah 55:8). When things don’t make sense to us, it’s time ask God for wisdom to discern what he is doing. GOD’S PROMISE TO ME: • My ways are not your ways. • My plans are contrary to worldly wisdom. MY PRAYER TO GOD: Lord, I’m grateful that your “foolish” plans included me. I’d be a fool if I didn’t take you at your Word and trust you. Amen.

GOD IS CONCERNED ABOUT YOU

October 16, 2024 • Proverbs 17:17

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. The Old Testament book known as Proverbs is essentially a divinely inspired king’s best and most practical wisdom for everyday life. Not only did the king incorporate the above verse about friendship, he included another: “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). In other words, a true friend is faithful. He or she will be there through thick and thin, to the very end. “Faithful friend” is a perfect description of God. Now, think about the implications of that ancient wisdom. As your friend, God loves “at all times.” How does that alter your attitude in your current trouble? GOD’S PROMISE TO ME: • I am your friend. MY PRAYER TO GOD: O Lord, you are everything the Bible says you are—Creator, Sustainer, Provider, Father, Judge, Savior and King. I praise you for being the righteous ruler of the universe—and for making and saving me. But you are also my friend. I can count on you to stand by me in tough times. Amen.