Psalm 30 is the story of the ups and downs of life, and David is frank and clear. He was in a flourishing spot, he became proud, the Lord was with him but disciplined him, and then the Lord lifted him back into that flourishing spot. 

Integral to genuine prayer is the rehearsal of our own story.
But before we hear the specifics of David’s story, we need to see two things: first, that he is now thankful to God for liberation (vv. 1-3, 11-12); second, that he encourages everyone to praise God for God’s goodness and faithfulness (vv. 4-5). In this second element, David reflects on the big picture: God’s anger lasts but awhile; his goodness returns. And then v. 5 says things that are proverbial and memorable:

One may experience sorrow during the night,

but joy arrives in the morning.

To be sure, these aren’t glib words but sincere words of one who has seen how God has worked in his life. But they are words that span our experience: from a temporary setback, to the loss of a job, and to life’s (and death’s) more threatening realities. God’s way is to transform death into life.

30:1 I will praise you, O Lord, for you lifted me up,

and did not allow my enemies to gloat over me.

30:2 O Lord my God,

I cried out to you and you healed me.

30:3 O Lord, you pulled me up from Sheol;

you rescued me from among those descending into the grave.

30:4 Sing to the Lord, you faithful followers of his;

give thanks to his holy name.

30:5 For his anger lasts only a brief moment,

and his good favor restores one’s life.

One may experience sorrow during the night,

but joy arrives in the morning.

30:6 In my self-confidence I said,

“I will never be upended.”

30:7 O Lord, in your good favor you made me secure.

Then you rejected me and I was terrified.

30:8 To you, O Lord, I cried out;

I begged the Lord for mercy:

30:9 “What profit is there in taking my life,

in my descending into the Pit?

Can the dust of the grave praise you?

Can it declare your loyalty?

30:10 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me!

Lord, deliver me!”

30:11 Then you turned my lament into dancing;

you removed my sackcloth and covered me with joy.

30:12 So now my heart will sing to you and not be silent;

Lord my God, I will always give thanks to you.

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