In the evening tears may visit, but joy comes in the morning.
You took off my sackcloth, and girded me with joy[1]
I attended the FCD[2] graduation on Wednesday. Students had completed courses such as “Bake for Profit”, “Job Readiness” and “Office Administration” in the hope of gaining employment or becoming entrepreneurs.
A guest speaker shared his inspiring story. He recalled how, in matric, he didn’t attend the final year dance because he was too embarrassed to wear old, unfashionable clothes. His father had lost his job and the family survived on the wage his mother earned as a domestic worker. After a period of downheartedness he decided to “change my attitude”. Over a number of years he worked his way from general cleaner to control clerk and then to a managerial role. He studies at night and this year will graduate with a degree in Social Work. Impeccably dressed in jacket and tie he told those gathered to “have faith” in themselves and especially in God.
I was reminded of Psalm 30 where the psalmist gives thanks for how God removed his sackcloth and clothed him in joy. The same psalm teaches a valuable truth for God’s people: Sorrow visits us all but it is only a guest – Joy, however, moves in to stay.
God Bless,
Sean
[1] Psalm 30:5, 11 as translated by Eaton, J. (2003). The Psalms: a historical and spiritual commentary with an introduction and new translation.
[2]Fisantekraal Centre for Development