Psalm 30 Devotional

When the Night Ends

“For His anger is fleeting, but His favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may stay the night, but joy comes in the morning.”Psalm 30:5 (BSB)

Someone brought back from the brink sings this song. David praises the LORD for lifting him up, healing him, and pulling him back from the grave (30:1-3). He calls God's people to join in, because God's anger lasts a moment while his favor lasts a lifetime, and the tears of night give way to morning joy (30:4-5).

Then David tells the story honestly. When things were going well, he was sure nothing could shake him (30:6). His strength felt like a mountain, but it rested on God's favor, and when God hid his face, he was dismayed (30:7). So he pleaded for mercy (30:8-10). And the answer came: God replaced his grief with dancing and stripped off his sackcloth to dress him in gladness (30:11). The purpose of the rescue is praise that will not stay silent (30:12). If your night has been long, this psalm does not pretend it was short. It does say the night is not the end of the story.

To think about: Where have you leaned on your own strength in good times, and how might this psalm turn you back to God's favor?