Thursday Psalm 30

Prayer: Loving God, we pray for those who are experiencing grief. Help them cope with the sadness and give them hope for joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

When tears appear

(Adapted from Christ in Our Home – daily devotions)

⁵ For his anger is but for a moment; his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning.

Crying comes easily. Song writers, actors, dancers, poets, and composers create music and express what appears as sadness and crying. It occurs when people carry the weight of grief and disappointment, or pain. Long term pain can bring frustrations because of lack of relief.

Today’s psalm reflects these emotions and also that God is present throughout the ups and downs of life. In our faith it is not simply optimism, but confidence that God will provide relief in His time. He knows what we are going through even when we don’t understand. The darkness of night is a symbol of what we don’t understand and there is the promise that perhaps in the morning joy and peace will come with the sun.

Prayer: “Loving God, renew in us the joy and wonders that appear because you are near. Amen.”

Psalm 30

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

Psalm 30

Thanksgiving for Recovery from Grave Illness

A Psalm. A Song at the dedication of the temple. Of David.

¹ I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up
    and did not let my foes rejoice over me.
² O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,
    and you have healed me.
³ O Lord, you brought up my soul from Sheol,
    restored me to life from among those gone down to the Pit.

⁴ Sing praises to the Lord, O you his faithful 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 linger for the night,
    but joy comes with the morning.

⁶ As for me, I said in my prosperity,
    “I shall never be moved.”
⁷ By your favor, O Lord,
    you had established me as a strong mountain;
you hid your face;
    I was dismayed.

⁸ To you, O Lord, I cried,
    and to the Lord I made supplication:
⁹ “What profit is there in my death,
    if I go down to the Pit?
Will the dust praise you?
    Will it tell of your faithfulness?
¹⁰ Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to me!
    O Lord, be my helper!”

¹¹ You have turned my mourning into dancing;
    you have taken off my sackcloth
    and clothed me with joy,
¹² so that my soul may praise you and not be silent.
    O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.