by Sherelyn Mayberry
Synopsis: With each passing day, we experience another cycle of light and darkness. Both carry spiritual symbolism. While we presently struggle against the world forces of this darkness, rest assured—the dawning of victory is at hand!
In the hymn, “How Long till the Morning” (PHSS #712), we sing of the Lord’s glorious return to this earthly land. Each day that we live is a new day of purpose in service. A storm is brewing and we prepare for battle against our malevolent foe. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus conquered death and promises victory to the saints. Ultimately, a new day will dawn for the faithful to be forever with the Lord.
In the beginning, God created the world and saw that all He had made was good. Being new every morning, His lovingkindness never ceases and His compassions never fail. Great is His faithfulness (Lam. 3:22-23). God provided an environment for man to live here below and hope for eternity with Him in heaven. Like clay in the potter’s hand, He seeks to mold us each day according to His word. The Lord gives us strength to overcome. Offering us salvation in time of distress, He gives stability, wisdom, and knowledge as we fear Him. When we walk righteously, speak with sincerity, and turn our eyes away from evil, then we will dwell in His refuge on the heights in safety (Isa. 33:2, 6, 15-16). The battle may soon come, but we are safe with the Lord. He will preserve us and we can put our trust in Him (Ps. 16:1). Do you seek first His kingdom and His righteousness with each passing day? Do you worry about tomorrow?
When the battle rages, the Lord will deliver me from my enemies as I trust in Him. In the morning, I will sing of God’s lovingkindness. He is my stronghold and refuge in times of distress (Ps. 59:16). God encouraged Joshua, “Only be strong and very courageous.” We also must be careful to act according to His law. Do not turn from the right or the left, and you will have success and prosper. Be not dismayed. God is with the faithful wherever they go (Josh. 1:7-9). As I do His will, He will direct my path and lead me on level ground in the land of uprightness. Delivering my soul from trouble, God will cut off my enemies and destroy those who afflict me (Ps. 143:8-12). After affliction has ended, we can be glad, for we have the Lord’s favor and He has confirmed the work of our hands (Ps. 90:13-17). As we are victorious, our souls wait for the Lord. Though we may grow weary in battle, He increases our strength and gives power to those who lack might. Those who wait on the Lord will gain new strength and mount up with wings like eagles (Isa. 40:29-31). There is hope in the coming morning through the Lord’s mercy and abundant redemption (Ps. 130:5-7). Singing for joy over our victory, we raise our banner in His name (Ps. 20:5). Are you raising the battle cry for the Lord?
On that final resurrection morning, Jesus, the bright and morning star, will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God. The dead in Christ will rise first. Those in the tombs will come forth: those who performed good deeds will be blessed with the resurrection of life, while those who committed evil will be sentenced to a resurrection of condemnation (John 5:28-29). Martha knew that, even if Lazarus died, he would be raised again in the resurrection on the last day. Being a believer in Jesus, he would live even if he died (John 11:23-26). After the dead arise, the faithful who are living will meet Jesus together with them in the air as He descends. Ultimately, the righteous who endure will all ascend and forever reign with the Lord in heaven (1 Thess. 4:15-18; 2 Tim. 2:11-12). Will you let the Lord guide you to the glorious resurrection morning?
