Read Psalm 30
Guided question at the bottom.
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.
Questions
What specific situation is David praising God for in this psalm? How has God “lifted him up”?
How does David contrast God’s anger with His favor in verse 5? What does this teach us about God’s character?
What mistake does David admit to making in verses 6-7? When have you fallen into a similar pattern of thinking?
How does David describe his plea to God in verses 8-10? When was the last time you prayed like this?
How has God turned David’s mourning into dancing? Can you think of a time when God has done something similar in your life?