Scripture Reading(s)
Psalm 30
30:1 I will extol you, O LORD, for you have drawn me up, and did not let my foes rejoice over me.
30:2 O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.
30:3 O LORD, you brought up my soul from Sheol, restored me to life from among those gone down to the Pit.
30:4 Sing praises to the LORD, O you his faithful ones, and give thanks to his holy name.
30:5 For his anger is but for a moment; his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
30:6 As for me, I said in my prosperity, “I shall never be moved.”
30:7 By your favor, O LORD, you had established me as a strong mountain; you hid your face; I was dismayed.
30:8 To you, O LORD, I cried, and to the LORD I made supplication:
30:9 “What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the Pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it tell of your faithfulness?
30:10 Hear, O LORD, and be gracious to me! O LORD, be my helper!”
30:11 You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
30:12 so that my soul may praise you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever.
Reflections
This Psalm reflects a number of different emotions. David touches on God saving him for a near death experience, forgiving him for becoming an arrogant leader, and allowing for his own desires to get in the way of Gods.
David then recognizes that he only arrived to where he is because of God’s Grace. He would not have been able to make it this far in his life without God’s loving guidance and help.
Sometimes we are convinced that we can make it on our own and live on our own terms. We often forget that God is more wise and knows whats best for us. We need to trust in His leading and trust that He will never lead us down a path that will bring harm to us. The path that God sets us on will only bring us joy, peace and hope. Even in the midst of our toughest trials, if we know that it is God who is at the center of all things, then we can even experience peace during those times as well.
Verses 11-12 sum up a response of one who has gained a new perspective on life’s trials and has been able to make it through the tough times standing strong. Let us prayerfully seek out that same trusting attitude that David developed and lived out towards an almighty and loving God.
I not sure what events were taking place in the life of the Psalmist when he wrote this psalm. Perhaps David had just defeated one of Israel’s enemies. Perhaps he was in a losing battle that turned around and he was nearly killed. Either way, David’s response was appropriate. We must not take God’s grace and goodness for granted.
Inversely, we must also remember to praise God even when the storms of life come our way. Even then times are hard we have to remember that God is in control and working things out. Yes, like David we can lament to the Lord but we also must also place our full faith in the Lord. It is impossible to please the Lord without faith.
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)
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