Turning Lament into Dancing
Today’s Reading: Psalm 30 (SOAP: Psalm 30:11-12)
A song used at the dedication of the temple: by David
David’s Response to Answered Prayer
This psalm begins with an acknowledgment that a prayer has been answered. It seems to be a recounting or a testimony of what it was all about and how David’s sorrow turned into joyful dancing. However, don’t miss the line of lament in verse 7 where David says the Lord rejected him and he was terrified. Note the progression from there, David cried to the LORD (8), David’s focus was the Lord (9), and David seeks the LORD’s mercy – indicating he knew that he deserved God’s displeasure and rejection. Suddenly David’s lament is turned into dancing and he says he can no longer stay silent. Oh that we would all respond so joyfully with praise when God answers our prayers.
You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.
Psalm 30:11-12
You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,
that I might sing praises to you and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!
In these two verses David realizes, with great joy, that his prayers have been answered and he gives God the credit. He makes his joy known and pledges to always give God thanks.
How then should we live?
When God removes or improves our suffering we should make it known. We should not be silent when God acts on our behalf. Instead, we should, without hesitation or timidity give thanks to the LORD. Our responses not only bring delight to God but they have the power to make His name known to others around us, which may in turn encourage them to pray or praise God as well.
My Response
Father, Thank You for all the times You have turned my mourning into dancing! Let me never withhold praise that is due Your name. Let me dance and sing with joy – making Your goodness, greatness, mercy, grace, and love known! And in this, may You be glorified.
Going Deeper
Don’t forget to read the LGG Blog Post lovegodgreatly.com/blog/