February 15, 2017 (Wednesday)
Psalm 30 is a thanksgiving for recovery from an almost fatal sickness, and a reflection on the lessons which it was sent to teach (Psalm 119:67). The Psalmist praises Jehovah for preserving his life in answer to his prayer (Psalm 30:1-3), and calls upon the godly to join him in thanksgiving (Psalm 30:4-5). He goes on to relate his own experience of God’s mercy. In prosperity he had grown presumptuous, till God withdrew His favor, and trouble came (Psalm 30:6-7). Then he pleaded that his life might be spared (Psalm 30:8-10): his prayer was answered; his life was prolonged that he might praise Jehovah, and in thanksgiving will he employ the remainder of his days (Psalm 30:11-12). (Commentary from Cambridge Bible).
Thanksgiving for Deliverance from Death.
A Psalm; a Song at the Dedication of the House.
A Psalm of David.
GOD GIVES US LIFE
1 I will extol You, O Lord, for You have lifted me up,
And have not let my enemies rejoice over me.
2 O Lord my God,
I cried to You for help, and You healed me.
3 O Lord, You have brought up my soul from Sheol;
You have kept me alive, that I would not go down to the pit.
LET US THANK HIM
4 Sing praise to the Lord, you His godly ones,
And give thanks to His holy name.
5 For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for a lifetime;
Weeping may last for the night,
But a shout of joy comes in the morning.
WE PRAISE GOD FOR HIS FAVOR
6 Now as for me, I said in my prosperity,
“I will never be moved.”
7 O Lord, by Your favor You have made my mountain to stand strong;
You hid Your face, I was dismayed.
WE LEARN OF FAITH THROUGH TROUBLES
8 To You, O Lord, I called,
And to the Lord I made supplication:
9 “What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise You? Will it declare Your faithfulness?
10 “Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to me;
O Lord, be my helper.”
11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness,
12 That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.