Psalm 30:1-12
Q.1. Did David deserve to be delivered by God? What filled his heart with praise for the Lord? What did He reveal about God’s care and provision? – (Ps.30:1-5)
David did not tell us details of his circumstances. God was angry with him, but David found mercy – For His anger is but for a moment, His favour is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning (Ps.30:50). We will all pass through valleys for which we have no more explanation than did the saintly Job. More often, we realize that we have incurred God’s disfavour by our sin. What did David do? He turned to God – O Lord my God, I cried to You for help, and You healed me (Ps.30:2). The Lord wonderfully delivered him – O Lord, You have brought up my soul from Sheol; You have kept me alive, that I would not go down to the pit (Ps.30:3). He then turned his experience into a testimony of praise to God (Ps.30:1, 4). Winter does not last forever – Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning (Ps.30:50).
Q.2. What circumstances in life can make us careless? What do we learn about David’s prayer requests? Why does the Lord deliver His servants? – (Ps.30:6-12)
It appears that David had carelessly gone into battle against his enemies, while relying on his own prowess and success – Now as for me, I said in my prosperity, “I will never be moved.” (Ps.30:6 c.f. Ps.30:1). After his near-death experience, David then turned from his pride and affirmed God’s goodness and grace (Ps.30:7). He acknowledged that when God hid His face, he was left empty and defeated (Ps.30:7). We note how David argued his case before the Lord – What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise You? Will it declare Your faithfulness? (Ps.30:9). He rightly discerned that we live to bring praise and glory to God – That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever (Ps.30:12 c.f. Heb.13:15). David was outstanding at remembering not just to pray, but also to give thanks for God’s gracious intervention (Ps.30:10-11).