In Psalm 30, as many of the Psalms, remind us that life is very difficult but God is very good. Life is full of ups and downs and we face a pandemic that brings economic challenges, violence and rioting and painful racial divisions, Psalm 30 is a great comfort and reminder that the LORD is sovereign over all of life. At this unexpected time in history it reminds us that all the unexpected we encounter is not a surprise to the LORD and is part of His plan. I know with my head that the LORD is sovereign over all, and during the struggles when seeking Him through prayer and study of His Word, I know it with my heart, by the peace and praise that only He can provide.
“For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5
As I was studying Psalm 30, I came across this article that I wanted to share with you.
“In the Old Testament account of creation, we find words that raise an eyebrow if we listen closely. After describing God’s creative work, the Bible says this: “So the evening and the morning were the first day” (Gen 1:5). That pattern is repeated for each of the days of the creation, with evening always preceding morning. Isn’t that a backward statement of things? Doesn’t morning come first?
This brings us to a valuable little principle that you should seize on your daily life- one of those treasures of common sense that can bless you immeasurably.
Begin your day before the morning comes. Begin it on the preceding evening with prayer, planning, pondering and preparation, and the next day will far more successful and effective for you. Instead of weighing down your spirit with the late news or the banalities of talk show on television, lift your spirit with a visit to God’s Word. Inject the power of His wisdom into your mind before you rest your head on the pillow. Apply His Word to your plans, ask God to bless the day that will soon follow. Ask God to make you the kind of servant His needs.
But the concept of evening and morning penetrates even deeper into the meaning of life. You and I are living in the evening of creation at present time. The sun does shine at times, but our world is darkened by sin and rebellion. The Bible assures us that morning will dawn bright and glorious someday. All the sorrow and sadness and difficulty we have known in the darkened skies of life will vanish. The LORD will return for us as the break of eternity, and there will no more weeping, no more pain or suffering, no more broken hearts.
HE will dry away every tear, and there will be JOY in that great morning. “(David Jeremiah)
“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.
O LORD, my God, I will give thanks to You forever.” Psalm 30:11-12
Normally, I am one to fall asleep as soon as my head hits my pillow! However, during this season of unrest, there have been times when sleep was a bit elusive, so by spending time with the LORD in the evening, it has brought much comfort, peace and sleep to my heart and mind! When we finally begin to understand truth and praise GOD in the midst of ALL things, we find peace, for HE alone is the only One who can turn our mourning into dancing.
It helps me to remember that if our life is filled with joy, we can give thanks to God, or if we are walking through a season of pain, suffering and uncertainty we can praise God. In ALL things we can praise the LORD, because He is worthy of all our praise.
“The LORD be with your spirit. Grace be with you.” 2 Timothy 4:22
- Karen Pace