God's Glory Church

“Why, my soul, are you sad?… Have hope in God.” — Psalm 42:5

“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Morning” is an unusual Christmas carol based on a poem written by Henry Longfellow in 1863. Instead of the expected celebration and joy, the lyrics of the song resemble crying.

“I am sad from the noise of the holiday
And longing gripped my heart:
What kind of peace is there when hatred is everywhere?
In the midst of pain and evil, how will I celebrate?”
However, then crying is replaced by hope, because
“The Lord did not die, did not sleep, did not hide,
Having put on a body, He descended to earth;
The light of salvation shone in man,
Favor has been given to us forever.”

The theme of hope born from weeping is prominent in many biblical psalms of weeping. One of them is Psalm 42. It begins with the psalmist complaining about the threats of his enemies (v. 1), and God seems to have forgotten him (v. 2). However, then the author stops complaining and turns his gaze to God, whom he does not fully understand, but whom he trusts: “Why, my soul, are you sad, and why are you worried about me? Have hope in God, because I will still thank Him for His salvation, my God!” (v. 5).

There are many reasons to cry in life. They appear regularly. However, if we come to the God of hope with all this, our weeping will turn into a song of praise, even if we sing through tears.

What worries you now? Based on the Bible’s testimony, how can God give you hope in this season of life?

Father, I cry out to You because I am suffering under the burdens of life. Remind me that my help comes from above, from the Creator of heaven and earth.

Author: Bill Crowder