January 26
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PSALM 30- JOY COMES IN THE MORNING
I will extol you, O LORD, for you have drawn me up and have not let my foes rejoice over me. 2 O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.3 O LORD, you have brought up my soul from Sheol; you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit. 4 Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name.
5 For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. 6 As for me, I said in my prosperity, “I shall never be moved.”7 By your favor, O LORD, you made my mountain stand strong; you hid your face; I was dismayed. 8 To you, O LORD, I cry, and to the Lord I plead for mercy:
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? 10 Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me! O LORD, be my helper!” 11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, 12 that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever! – Psalm 30:1-12
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ESV study bible notes says that David composed this psalm for the temple’s dedication which took place after David died (1Kings 8:63). The psalm is based on David’s experience and the worshipers can liken their own experiences to his.
In the first three verses, David praises God for not letting his enemies gloat over him, for healing him and restoring him. In verse 4, he invites all saints to worship the Lord in songs and thanksgiving. In verse 5, he focuses on God’s trait: He doesn’t stay angry for long. David gives hope to God’s people in the words “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” Isn’t this so true? No matter what we are going through, each new day brings hope because we serve a faithful God. The prophet Jeremiah resounds this same verse when he says in Lamentations 3:22-23 that God’s steadfast love and mercy never ceases. It is new every morning.
In verses 6-7, David praises the Lord by enumerating the things he was blessed with. It was only possible because it was God who gave him such favor and provisions. He continues to plead God to deliver them from the enemies. David strongly stands on God’s promises for deliverance. David ends this song with unending thanksgiving and praise.
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REFLECTION
• Why is this psalm a good song to reflect on when we are discouraged and feeling hopeless? What is the antidote for such depressed feelings?