June 1

Morning

God called the light “day,” and the darkness He called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. — Gen 1:5 BSB

Was it like this even in the beginning? Did light and darkness divide time on the first day? Then it's no surprise if I, too, experience changes in my circumstances, moving from the sunlight of prosperity to the darkness of adversity. It won't always be the bright light of noon, even in my spiritual life. There will be times when I mourn the loss of my former joys and seek my Beloved in the night. But I am not alone in this. All of the Lord’s people have had to sing a mixed song of judgment and mercy, trial and deliverance, sorrow and joy.

It’s part of God’s providence that day and night continue, both in the physical world and in our spiritual lives, until we reach the place where "there is no night." What our heavenly Father plans is both wise and good. So, my soul, what should you do? First, learn to accept this divine order. Be willing, like Job, to receive both good and trouble from the Lord. Then, learn to rejoice both in the morning and the evening. Praise God for the joy of the sunrise, and for the peace of the sunset. There’s beauty in both. Sing about it, and glorify the Lord. Like the nightingale, sing your songs at all hours. Believe that the night is just as valuable as the day. The dew of grace falls heavily in the night of sorrow. The stars of God’s promises shine brightly in the darkness of grief.

Keep serving the Lord through every season. If your call is to work during the day, then watch through the night. Every hour has its own duty, so continue as the Lord’s servant until He suddenly appears in His glory. My soul, your evening of old age and death is coming near—don’t be afraid of it, for it’s still part of the day. The Lord has promised, “I will cover him all the day long.”

Evening

For the LORD will comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; He will make her wilderness like Eden and her desert like the garden of the LORD. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and melodious song. — Isa 51:3 BSB

I can almost picture it—a vast, howling wilderness, a huge, terrifying desert like the Sahara. There's nothing to give relief to the eyes. All around me, I’m tired of seeing nothing but hot, barren sand, scattered with countless bleached skeletons of poor souls who died in agony, lost in the unforgiving wasteland. What a horrible sight! A sea of sand without end, without an oasis—a graveyard for a lost and hopeless people.

But then, behold and be amazed! Out of the scorching sand, I see a remarkable plant growing. It buds and blossoms—a rose appears, and beside it, a lily bows its humble head. And, wonder of wonders! As the fragrance of these flowers spreads, the desert is transformed into a fruitful field. Everywhere, it blooms abundantly. The glory of Lebanon, the excellence of Carmel and Sharon, are given to it. Don’t call it the Sahara anymore—call it Paradise. It’s no longer a valley of death, because where those bones once lay under the scorching sun, a resurrection is announced, and the dead rise—an army, full of life everlasting.

Jesus is that remarkable plant, and His presence makes everything new. And the miracle is no less amazing in the salvation of each individual. I see you, dear reader, once abandoned, like an unwanted baby, unwashed and left to die. But look! A precious jewel has been placed in your heart by a divine hand. For the sake of that jewel, you’ve been shown mercy and cared for by God’s providence. You’ve been washed and cleansed from your filth, adopted into heaven’s family. The seal of love is on your forehead, and the ring of faithfulness is on your hand—you are now a prince before God, though once an abandoned orphan. Cherish the incredible power and grace that turns deserts into gardens and makes a barren heart sing for joy!