From Peril to Praise

OPENING PRAYER:

Gracious Lord, I rejoice today that ‘grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.’ (Amazing Grace hymn by John Newton)

READ: Psalm 30

A psalm. A song. For the dedication of the temple.[b] Of David.

1 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[c] 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.

Footnotes

[a] Psalm 30:1 In Hebrew texts 30:1-12 is numbered 30:2-13.

[b] Psalm 30:1 Title: Or palace

[c} Psalm 30:7 That is, Mount Zion

Psalm 30

REFLECT:

Recall people you know whose faith has grown despite suffering. Give thanks and pray for them.

This psalm recounts a time when King David was close to death. Life had been good for him, and he felt sure and secure (v 6). Yet in retrospect he recognizes that he had been overconfident. An all-too-common experience, is the pride that comes before a fall (Proverbs 16:18).

Although details are scarce, David may have had a life-threatening illness (v 2). A family member’s recent experience with cancer is a reminder that periods like these are never easy. At such times, God’s presence can feel far away (v 7).

God hears David’s prayer, and he is spared (v 3). As a result, he cannot be silent but sings the praises of God (v 12). What an amazing God! He turns weeping into joy, wailing into dancing (vs 5,11). David calls others to recognize the goodness of God (v 4). His deliverance does not just affect him – it affects all who hear about it. The power of testimony!

This prayer models for us how to respond when healing comes after illness – praise, thanksgiving, telling others the good news. It also points to God’s greater work of dealing with human suffering through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Even as we suffer ‘for a little while’, we know God ultimately triumphs (1 Peter 1:3-7).

APPLY:

Consider how God has worked in your life. Is there someone you can share this with in the coming week?

CLOSING PRAYER:

Father, you are certainly a turn-around God. Sometimes I need extra grace to continue through the ups and downs of life. I rejoice that nothing in life or death can separate me from your love.

WORSHIP:

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