DC Devotion: Psalm 30

 BY HANNAH FRICK, DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING SCHOOL STUDENT WITH YWAM IN BOSTON, MA

I love Psalm 30 because it’s David’s genuine praise to God even during a lifetime of trouble. He’s honest about the danger, pain, and trouble he’s been through, but his response to God is nothing but worship.

“His anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” I love the contrast between the temporary pain of this world and the joy eternity has to offer. David really captured God’s perspective that we see through Jesus and the New Testament writers. Our lives can be full of trials and challenges, but it all pales when we see the glory of Jesus. Like Paul said in Romans 8, “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” That future hope that we all have– of more revelation of God and his presence in our lives– is worth more than any hardship.

“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;  you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!” David’s response to this beautiful reality is a gratitude that goes beyond anything we can say or do. God’s ability to bring life from death in any situation should leave us in this same awe of him. I know it astounds me every time I realize again that he rescued me from my own pain and self-inflicted suffering, even when there was (and still is) nothing I could do to repay him. He doesn’t ask us to repay him, he only asks us to receive. 

O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.

Anderson University educates students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized for excellence in business, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, music, nursing, psychology, and teacher education programs. Established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God, the university remains committed to its Christ-centered mission.