Commanding the Morning

Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place, that it might take hold of the skirts of the earth, and the wicked be shaken out of it?
Job 38:12–13
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Commanding the Morning
“It is always darkest before the dawn.” We are reminded of this so often when we are at a low point in our lives.  Well-meaning friends attempt to encourage us with these words.  The point is that things are always the worst right before getting better.  A nice sentiment, even if it is not always true.  For many people, the dawn never breaks. The suffering continues, and the loss is permanent.  Only if we could command the morning and force the sun to rise in our lives, yet that is not how things are.  But no matter how bleak an outlook may appear, the truth is that there is someone who does command the morning “and cause the dawn to know its place.” And just as assuredly as the sun will rise in the east each day, so will the faithful in Christ see the return of the Son.  As Christians, we are not promised a life filled with rainbows and sunshine. Christ prepares us, “I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:19).  We know that the pain and suffering are temporary, for Christ will return to take us home one day.  Whether it be individually at our death or collectively on that last day of history, we know that the dawn will break, and we will open our eyes to the brightness and warmth of the Son. And it is in His presence that we find comfort and joy for endless days.