Morning

The evening and the morning were the first day.

-Genesis i 5

Was it so even in the beginning? Did light and darkness divide the realm of time in the first day? Then little wonder is it if... it will not always be the blaze of noon even in my soul concerns, I must expect at seasons to mourn the absence of my former joys, and seek my Beloved in the night. Nor am I alone in this, for all the Lord's beloved ones have had to sing mingled songs of judgment and of mercy, of trial and deliverance, of mourning and delight... till we reach the land of which it is written, "there is no night there."

What then, my soul, is it best for thee to do? Learn first to be content with this divine order... Study next, to make the outgoings of the mourning and the evening to rejoice.... There is beauty both in sunrise and sunset, sing of it, and glorify the Lord... Believe that the night is as useful as the day. The dews of grace fall heavily in the night of sorrow. The stars of promise shine forth gloriously amid the darkness of grief. Continue thy service under all changes... Every hour has its duty, do thou continue in thy calling as the Lord's servant until He shall suddenly appear in His glory...

-C.H. Spurgeon