Psalm 30 - My Soul May Not Be Silent

Psalm 30 gives us one of the more memorable verses that is often quoted, “weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning” (vs. 5).  This fits with the larger subject of the Psalm, displaying the Lord’s protection and, often, rescue from difficulty, danger, and challenge.   David sees so clearly the Lord as the one who gives him victory, and understands that without Him his enemies would put him in “despair.”  

Often as I read of David’s physical victory, it is an easy translation into the spiritual realm.   It is not a direct relation and we must be careful to keep the Scriptures in context, but there is a definite connection.  While David’s physical salvation is sometimes easier to see, easier to quantify; the spiritual victory that has been won in Christ is of far higher value and has much more long-lasting implications (understatement!).  

I would, however, like to highlight one different thought from a line near the end of the Psalm.  In verse 9, David asks the question, “What profit is there in my death, … Will the dust praise you?”   This struck me with a sobering question for myself.  Would the Lord receive less praise if I were not here?  Is my life offering Him praise in a way that is bringing Him value?   We try to pack all kinds of things into OUR lives.  We seek to have great experiences, pursue our own passions, and desire to be loved.  These are not wrong as a part of life, but when they become what we are, who we are, we are missing our greatest purpose.  David knew that “joy comes in the morning” because his life was founded and focused on the Lord.

The Psalm ends with this combination cry & commitment … “That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent.  O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.  May I echo, actually echo, reverberate this praise in my life … forever.