Psalm 30
Preaching
A Journey Through the Psalms: Reflections for Worried Hearts and Troubled Times
Preaching the Psalms Cycles A, B, C
One hears a lot these days about habits, good and bad. Most everyone has given up smoking. We are urged to lose the habit of snacking too much. Lord knows that not enough of us have the good habit of regular exercise. No matter what the current hype may tell us, there's no doubt that we need to develop some good habits. Most pastors would love to see people in the habit of tithing. Imagine a whole nation with the habit of exhibiting good manners? No more road rage; no more cussing in public.
Another good habit might be for us to give credit where it's due. How often do good people step up to the plate to offer their hard work and service and receive little or no acknowledgment? Of course, no one is supposed to offer such help with a goal of being thanked, but still, it doesn't hurt. In fact, most people will admit that it helps. This psalm endeavors to give credit where it's due. The call for help went out, and it was heard, and it's time to say, "Thank you!"
How often do we look back at our lives and see God's hand in the mix? When times get tough, we may cry out to God, but when we come out the other side, do we turn back to see how God was involved as we made our way through? Indeed, the temptation is to take credit for ourselves. "See how I managed this?" "Look at me! I toughed it out!" And yet, this is the God who does intervene. This is the one who lifts us from the pits of Sheol, who has turned our mourning into dancing. Can we not stop and give a little credit where it's due?
After all, let's consider the track record here. This is a God who sticks by us; a God who -- quite frankly -- has put up with a great deal. In the context of our lives, an argument or angry exchange often strangles a relationship. A mistake or wrongdoing finds little grace or forgiveness in our world. After the quarrel there is ... distance, but not so with God! Anger may come, but God's love lasts longer! Even on Sinai in the shadow of a golden calf, Moses was able to turn God's anger away (Exodus 32:11 cf).
How much better would our lives be if we could allow our anger to pass? How much stronger would our relationships be if we knew that the love we held was stronger than the disagreements that will most certainly arise. How much more powerful would our churches be if the love we shared was stronger than the bumps in the road that are sure to come? This God can teach us a lot.
And a good student, of course, gives credit to the teacher.
"O Lord, my God, I will give thanks to you forever!"
Another good habit might be for us to give credit where it's due. How often do good people step up to the plate to offer their hard work and service and receive little or no acknowledgment? Of course, no one is supposed to offer such help with a goal of being thanked, but still, it doesn't hurt. In fact, most people will admit that it helps. This psalm endeavors to give credit where it's due. The call for help went out, and it was heard, and it's time to say, "Thank you!"
How often do we look back at our lives and see God's hand in the mix? When times get tough, we may cry out to God, but when we come out the other side, do we turn back to see how God was involved as we made our way through? Indeed, the temptation is to take credit for ourselves. "See how I managed this?" "Look at me! I toughed it out!" And yet, this is the God who does intervene. This is the one who lifts us from the pits of Sheol, who has turned our mourning into dancing. Can we not stop and give a little credit where it's due?
After all, let's consider the track record here. This is a God who sticks by us; a God who -- quite frankly -- has put up with a great deal. In the context of our lives, an argument or angry exchange often strangles a relationship. A mistake or wrongdoing finds little grace or forgiveness in our world. After the quarrel there is ... distance, but not so with God! Anger may come, but God's love lasts longer! Even on Sinai in the shadow of a golden calf, Moses was able to turn God's anger away (Exodus 32:11 cf).
How much better would our lives be if we could allow our anger to pass? How much stronger would our relationships be if we knew that the love we held was stronger than the disagreements that will most certainly arise. How much more powerful would our churches be if the love we shared was stronger than the bumps in the road that are sure to come? This God can teach us a lot.
And a good student, of course, gives credit to the teacher.
"O Lord, my God, I will give thanks to you forever!"
