Background:
Scholars are not in agreement as to when and where David was when he wrote this Psalm. Some believe that it was at the dedication of his palace in Jerusalem, others at the dedication of the temple.
In 2 Samuel 5:11 CSB, we read “King Hiram of Tyre sent envoys to David; he also sent cedar logs, carpenters and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David.” This would have been a great occasion for David and a time of joy.
In Galatians 5:22, we read that joy is a fruit of the Spirit. Over the years, David had many enemies who tried to bring him down and destroy him, but God intervened and delivered David time after time.
A. David Praises God for His Protection. Psalm 30:1-3
1. From scornful men. Verse 1 “I will exalt you Lord because you have lifted me up and have not allowed my enemies to triumph over me.”
· Instead of David going down into the pit of despair, God lifted him up.
2. From serious situations and circumstances. Verses 2-3 “Lord my God, I cried to you for help and you healed me. Lord, you brought me up from Sheol; you spared me from among those going down to the pit.” (Sheol)
a. We believe that David faced both physical and spiritual sickness and God healed him … his body.
“I cried out to you for help, and you healed me.”
— He experienced physical healing.
b. David also experienced God’s healing in his soul. “Lord, you brought me up from Sheol.” Sheol was the Old Testament equivalent of hades, in the New Testament. (A place of torment.)
I don’t think David ever forgot his sin with Bathsheba or having her husband killed and the loss of the baby from that adulterous relationship.
c. David also experienced God’s healing in his spirit. “You spared me from among those going down to the pit”, of death.
Note – as he reflects on the Lord’s healing of his body, soul, and spirit he turns to a song of praise.
B. We turn from God’s protection to David’s song of Praise to God. Psalm 3:4-5
1. His song focuses on God’s holiness. “Sing to the Lord, you His faithful ones, and praise His holy name.” (verse 4)
a. God’s holiness is what sets Him apart from all of mankind.
· He never sinned. There was no imperfection or sin in his life.
· He gives us His Holy Spirit to help us be holy as well.
· It is His desire that we be set apart exclusively for Him.
Even though David had suffered physically and spiritually, he found a song in his soul. “Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness.” Psalm 30:4
Have you ever been reflecting on the greatness and goodness of God, and just started singing to Him? It doesn’t have to be a song already written. Just open your mouth and begin to sing to the LORD what is in your heart. That is worship!
Listen to verse 5, “For His anger lasts only a moment, BUT His favor a lifetime. Weeping may stay overnight but there is joy in the morning.” It seems to me that the writer is saying that God’s day begins with evening (darkness) and ends with morning. I love it when the sun comes up and floods my world with light. The Son of God loves to flood our lives with love, life, and joy.
C. There were times when David gave in to pride. Psalm 30:6-7a “When I was secure (rich) I said (to myself) ‘I will never be shaken.’”
In 1 Timothy 6:17 NLT, the Apostle Paul wrote “Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for enjoyment.” What great advice.
In Psalm 30:7b David shares what he experienced when he trusted in his riches other than God, who gave him great success. “Then you turned away (hid your face) from me and I was shattered.” He had forgotten that his strength and security come from the LORD. He experienced confusion, helplessness, and even terror. Have you ever sensed that God had withdrawn his favor and was hiding His face from you? Could it be that you were relying on your resources than on God who helped you gain success?
D. Lastly, we read David’s prayer in Psalm 30:8-10 CSB … “Lord I called to you; I sought favor from my LORD. What gain is there in my death if I go down into the Pit? … LORD, listen and be gracious to me, LORD, be my helper.”
E. As a result of his crying out to God, we hear him make a wonderful proclamation in Psalm 30:11-12 CSB “You turned my lament into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness; so that I can sing to you and not be silent. LORD, my God, I will praise you forever.”
Folks, there is nothing that compares to living under the umbrella of God’s favor, trusting/relying on Him, and daily finding a song in our hearts because we are making our ways pleasing to Him.
That is my prayer for myself and each of you.
For His Glory, Pastor Leonard
