PSALM THIRTY

WEEPY NIGHTS  
AND JOYFUL MORNINGS 
 
   This psalm was probably sung at the dedication of the altar in the
threshing floor of Aruanah. That place was later to be the site of the
Temple. 2 Samuel 24.12-15 & 1 Chron.21.18. David had been through an
experience of bitterness and joy. We endure our weeping and enjoy our
gladness, but so often our joy is the fuller because of the weeping we
had to endure. 
   In verse six, David declares the reason why weeping came. "In my
prosperity I said, I shall never be moved."  He felt secure in success.
When he felt so good, seeing his abundance and riches, he counted his
subjects. In this act of census he offended God. The Lord then gave him
the choice of three punishments. He could choose - seven years of
famine - three months of war - three days of pestilence. As he
preferred to be in the hands of God, he chose the pestilence. 
   The taking of the census was not wicked in itself. Provision for the
taking of a census was already made;  Exodus 30.11-16, but in that case
it was for atonement. The census therefore was linked with atonement on
the one side and plague on the other. When it was done in obedience to
God it was a preparation for atonement. When it was done in pride or
vain glory it led to judgment. 
   So the plague came, and with it the weeping. Yet David sings that
the Lord healed him. It is worthy of note that the plague, which should
have lasted three days, was terminated in twenty four hours. The
psalmist then sings of FIVE THINGS the Lord had done:- 
   1. God had healed him.  
   2. He brought his soul from the grave. (He was in an overwhelming
depression at the loss of his people. God brought him our of that pit).
   3. God made his mountain to stand. (Kingdoms are called mountains in
prophetic language. God secured his kingdom.) 
   4. God turned his mourning to dancing. Violent grief had become high
joy. 
   5. God had put off his sackcloth and girded him with gladness.
Clothed with sackcloth during the plague, they had mourned and wept.
Now David knew God had been good to him. 
   David's reaction to God's goodness was to call on all the saints to
sing unto the Lord and give thanks. Only believers can join in this
exercise. Voltaire declared, "I wish I had never been born."  Thousands
despise God's gift of life in the same way. BUT THE SAINT SINGS!  He
sings with an inner expression of gladness. The saint gives thanks - it
is an inner expression of gratitude. The saint sings praises - it is a
combination of gladness, gratitude and worship. 
   If God has done something for us there should be in our hearts an
expression which needs to flow out of us to Him. God's plan is to make
us exceedingly joyful. There will soon be a very joyful morning.  



Copyright (c) 1995, Hedley Palmer. All rights reserved.



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