“Sing praise to the LORD, you His godly ones,
And give thanks to His holy name.
For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime;
Weeping may last for the night,
But a shout of joy comes in the morning.”‭‭

-Psalms‬ ‭30:4-5‬ ‭NASB‬‬

I thought of this passage this morning as I caught sight of the sunrise while leaving the house.

Via Facebook had come the news, moments before, that a man I’d never met — but had been alerted to pray for — had turned out to be one of those killed by the killers in San Bernardino yesterday:

“We lost one of our own yesterday. A good man. A solid Christian. A husband and father. A member of our church. He was apparently in the room where the shooting started. 

If you live on our mountain, or in the San Bernardino area I have a favor to ask. Go out of your way to spread the love of Christ. Be ready to pray with hurting people…even if it is in public. Tell people about Jesus and the hope that you have. 

Those grieving need to do so, and those not as close have a calling…to be there. To love. To pray. To mourn with those that mourn. 

Be aware & sensitive to those God puts in your path today. Be like Jesus.”

Certainly the weeping of his family will endure for more than a night. Death still stings when loved ones are torn from our lives.

But there will come a glorious morning when all sorrow will cease.

Members of Calvary Chapel, which meets in Resurrection Sanctuary, had begun decorating their tree. Even semi-hidden in the corner, unlit, it offered a hopeful reminder of an everlasting love that invaded our world as a tiny baby so many years ago.

As I began my prayer time, my heart was still heavy. At the same time, I knew that tragedy, senseless violence, and suffering does not change who God is. He is a good, good Father — my beloved Papa — but He is also the righteous Judge who will someday make all things right.

How I wanted my inadequate praise and worship to waft up to Heaven like a sweet fragrance before Him! And how I longed for the sweet fragrance of the Holy Spirit in return!

I want to be more like Jesus.

Most days, I pray alone. But today God sent me one of my fellow intercessors and co-laborers…and then He sent us both encouraging divine appointments. As usual, my Papa knew just what I needed. He is good…even when the world is not.