Psalm 30
July 3, 2022 Like David, we extol you, O Lord, maker of heaven and earth. You have lifted us up out the pit of darkness into your glorious light; you have saved us from the enemy who would destroy us. As we cry to you for help, you heal us and enliven us.
Father, in our weary lives, we lean on your mercy and grace. We groan in our hearts as we wait eagerly our the adoption as sons. Indeed, the whole creation groans with us in its bondage to corruption, longing for freedom, as though it were suffering the pains of childbirth. Meanwhile, your Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words, and because you know the mind of the Spirit, you will respond with comfort and strength and give us aid in the time of need. We wait with hope for the redemption of our bodies.
Remarkably, Father, in the midst of our groaning, and our longing, we encounter this exquisite promise: God’s anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Our weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. Joy comes with the morning! With the Apostle Paul we believe that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us in that “Great, Getting’ up Mornin’,” our Sabaoth rest, our heavenly home. Meanwhile, even as we await the consummation of eternal peace, you will turn our mourning into dancing. You will loosen the sackcloth of grief, or self-pity, or shame, or guilt and clothe us with gladness to bring glory to your name.
Father, though sometimes enveloped in a fog of skepticism, we know that through all of life’s circumstances you are conforming us to the image of your Son. May we not chafe at this. May this truth bring us comfort as our world appears to be coming apart, as the vagaries of our national politics and the swirling uncertainties of our personal lives distract us, as the terrors come to us in the night, as we struggle with sin and right living in a broken world. At all times and in all circumstances may we keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
And, Father, may we humbly walk as children of the Light so that the Light in us may shine out to those around us who remain in darkness. May the exercise of the gifts you have given us “tell of your faithfulness” to a lost and struggling humanity and accomplish your purposes and your work on this earth.
We sing your glory, O Lord our God, and we will not be silent. We will give thanks to you forever!
Through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray,
And all the people said,
AMEN