SING PRAISES TO THE LORD FOR HIS FAVOR
Passage: bible.psalm 30:1-12
Key verse: 4-5
NIV
chapter 30
1. [A psalm. A song. For the dedication of the temple. Of David.] I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me.
2. Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.
3. You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit.
4. Sing the praises of the LORD, you his faithful people; praise his holy name.
5. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
6. When I felt secure, I said, "I will never be shaken."
7. Lord, when you favored me, you made my royal mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed.
8. To you, Lord, I called; to the LORD I cried for mercy:
9. "What is gained if I am silenced, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness?
10. Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me; Lord, be my help."
11. You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
12. that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
In light of God’s faithfulness and salvation, David encourages his people to also praise God. In his anger, God may allow discipline to come upon his people. But God’s people can hold to his promise that his favor lasts a lifetime. Indeed, we may weep in the dark nights of our life, like when we repent of our sins, but rejoicing comes like a bright morning.
God’s sure favor and times of rejoicing are fulfilled in Jesus. In Jesus Christ, we are secure. In Jesus, we can stand firm. In Jesus, we can call on him for mercy in repentance of our sins, and he will help us. We are forgiven. Rather than go down to the pit of death, we have eternal life. Because of Jesus, our wailing is turned to dancing. Praise God!
Prayer: Father, thank you for hearing our cries for help and replacing our tears with joy.
One Word: Rejoice in the LORD for his favor