Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5b NIV

There is an old Christian expression, born after midnight, describing spiritual growth and renewal that emerge from seasons of darkness, struggle, prayer, and waiting upon God.
Midnight represents those times when our strength is exhausted, our resources are insufficient, and God seems silent. It is the hour when human self-sufficiency gives way to dependence upon Him.

Scripture repeatedly reminds us that God works through such seasons. Joseph endured imprisonment before being raised to authority. David learned dependence upon God in the wilderness. Paul discovered that God’s power is made perfect in weakness.

But darkness itself does not produce spiritual life. God does. Suffering is not the source of our faith, nor is hardship a measure of its authenticity. Rather, God uses seasons of suffering, darkness, and waiting to refine our faith, deepen our dependence upon Him, and bring about spiritual maturity.

The Christian does not seek darkness for its own sake. Neither should he despair when darkness comes. The God who is faithful in the daylight remains faithful at midnight.

Weeping may endure for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. And the God who brings the morning has been at work throughout the night.

Lean in