Anger Vs. Joy…And Everything In Between

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)

Motivating Monday! 

There’s a reason we are instructed in Ephesians 4:26 to not sin in anger and not to let the sun go down on our anger. We are not discussing righteous anger- the passion behind making a difference in this world. Anger begins with a little irritation, progressing to frustration, igniting anger, ending with sin. Ouch! Nice way to start Monday morning. I know this topic well, experienced this progression many times. Then pondering today’s scripture, I’m awe-struct how God’s anger is but for a moment. I think we’ve struck gold, if we can truly grasp this revelation.

Anger

Anger is not healthy to linger, inducing stress and hard on hearts. I also see a positive progression to possessing joy. Not long ago, a sweet lady in a Bible study I attend, described a few hardships, yet through all her words, I saw joy beaming from her. Joy is not the same as happy. Happy is an emotion that changes in a moment’s notice. Joy is steadfast, always present through all life’s challenges, if…we make a conscious decision allowing anger for a moment.

Joy

In this process, weeping may tarry for a night, yet, joy comes in the morning. This verse became profound when I heard Tammy Trent’s testimony on the tragic loss of her husband. If ever experienced a death of a close loved one, we know the heart gripping- weeping. The hurt is real. Nights can seem endless during times like this, yet as the sun rises…joy is available. It almost does not seem right to move from weeping to joy with light shining. Yet, it’s the light shining that allows joy to surface- God is light and where there is light, there is no darkness.

Favor

Let’s be motivated to practice letting anger go quickly. Consider…surrender of self-will, allows God’s will to flow, embracing God’s favor for a lifetime. Just as joy does not waver, neither does God’s favor. His thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways…He is sovereign. Thankfully, He is in charge and not me. I’m going to focus on letting anger go quickly, accepting God’s favor, and limiting weeping, embracing joy. How about you?

Be encouraged!