Come on and celebrate
Opening Prayer
God, teach me to trust that You are bringing me to a good place even as I travel through dark and lonely places.
Read PSALM 30:1–12
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
[1] A psalm. A song. For the dedication of the temple. Of David. 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 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. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What is David celebrating?Imagine how you would have felt as one of the poor, lame or blind who were invited to the banquet in Luke 14:15–24. What a turnaround! One minute begging in the alleyway, the next sitting down to a sumptuous feast. David’s experience here was a bit like that. If this psalm was written, as the heading suggests, for the dedication of the Temple, David has come through all the bad experiences of being an outlaw on the run, hunted by Saul and his army. There had been times when he couldn’t see what God was doing (7). He is now king and he had an amazing promise from God; he won’t get to build the Temple, but his family will be blessed by God and will reign over Israel forever (2 Sam. 7:1–17). No wonder he wants to praise God for what he has done and encourage others to join in (4). Today as we meet (or have met) with other Christians, we have the opportunity to praise God together for what he has done in our lives. Life may not be perfect, and we may have struggles and pain, but we have so much to celebrate. Let’s aim as individuals and as churches to see our wailing turned into dancing (11).
Apply
Look for ways today to express your delight at what God has done for you.
Closing prayer
Father, You have given us so many reasons to celebrate! Thank You that You are a God of joy who pours out joy.
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