Psalm 30

Psalm 30

This is a challenging Psalm in that without knowing the historic context, we can’t say what prompted this emotional outpouring of David's heart.  Some scholars believe it was the occasion of David’s sinful census. (2 Samuel 24)  We can, however, learn some vital general principles for our lives.  In verses 1-3 we see David in great distress nearing death.  In God’s great mercy, He rescues David.  Out of that rescue comes the praise of verse 4 and the beautiful lines at the end of verse 5.  “His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.”  What great and wonderful hope-filled words.  But before we come to this great exaltation, we must pass through the hardship of the first lines of verse 5.  We must deal with the first line of that verse.  God’s anger and corrective punishment must be endured, and from it we must learn our lessons.  We want to leap to the shout of joy, but not so fast—have we learned the lesson God wants to bring us in His anger?

In verses 6-9 we see an important progression.  This is, perhaps, a retelling of the story with new insights.  In verses 6-7a there is pride; David becomes arrogant in his God-given prosperity.  Then there is a harsh awakening in the second line of verse 7.  From pride to dismay in a moment.  Interestingly, these are both conditions without God.  Then in verses 8-9 we see repentance.  

There is a dramatic difference in the pride we see before dismay and the humility we see after.  The Psalm concludes with a hope-filled note.  The Lord is gracious, and in place of mourning and sackcloth, there is dancing and gladness. God is both just and merciful; in fact, His justice is used to bring us to repentance so that His mercy is set free to rescue us.  Sometimes that is a long road, but His intent is always mercy.

“Lord, thank You that You are merciful.  Help me never, in my pride, to presume upon Your mercy. AMEN.”