Psalms 30-31
Bible Passage: Psalms 30-31
What was the first thing sprung to mind when you opened your eyes this morning? What was then the first thing that you did to start your day? Fetching for that perfect cup of coffee, checking for the overnight messages or just groaning for the start of another long day to come?
A friend shared with me recently that the first thing he does is praying. The mind and heart are in the ‘clearest’ state as it is not yet burdened with the worldly affairs. In offerings our praises and thanksgivings in these morning prayers, it is likened to offering the firstfruits to our Lord in remembrance of His protection, providence and deliverance.
We give thanks and praises because we are grateful for all that we have received, be it for the positive or negative outcome. We count the blessings of the new life on a brand new day, the sunny or rainy start of the day, the smooth or patchy journey that we are going through. Through counting of God’s blessing every morning, it gives me bountiful energy and positive outlook to start my day. It gives me great hope and joy, knowing that our Father has walked the journey before me.
In Psalm 30, did you notice that the Psalmist counted God’s blessing over and again throughout? Through the verses, we learn that the Psalmist went through a rather difficult journey – his soul was once in the valley of death (v3); pursued by the enemies to near death point (v1). The Psalmist testified of God’s deliverance and faithfulness.
“…. Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning” (v5). I found this verse especially comforting, knowing the various fiery trials and tribulations in this world are for a little while only (I Pet 1:6). We are graced with the hope to rejoice as we believe and look forward to the everlasting glory to be revealed (I Pet 4:13).
We know that David spent a good deal of his life on the run, first from Saul then the enemies. The evil enemies thirsted for his blood, set trap and stretched out net in successive attempts to kill him. As a result, David went through physical and emotional trauma (Ps 31: 9-10). David knew this was the punishment as a result of his sin in the matter of Bathsheba (II Sam 12:10-12).
However, David did not dwell in his grief and guilt of sin, he continued to seek for God’s forgiveness and trust in His deliverance and mercy at truly difficult times. David knew there is no way out to his troubles except to placing total trust in God. David trusted his life and spirit onto God’s hands (31:5, 14-15).
In times of sadness and difficulty, did you find it hard to commit the outcome and situation to God? When we were praying for ‘Thy will be done’, did we also hope that it would go according to our way? Let’s pray for that courage and strength (31:24) from the Lord God of truth, that we will continue to submit our will to Him.
Have faith in God!