Scripture Notes: Ups and Downs (Psalm 30)

Psalm 30 is a song of ups and downs. The psalmist, likely King David himself, speaks of his confidence in prosperity. Nothing can move him, he thinks. He has God’s favor and is, therefore like a “strong mountain,” firm and stable. But then comes the crash. God seems to hide His face, and David is “dismayed.” His enemies close in around him, and he feels like he is about ready to go down to the netherworld, mourning and grieving and weeping.

But David does not fall into despair. He does not give up on God. Instead, he prays. He reaches out to God in his pain and bewilderment, crying for help. He is not afraid to ask God, “what profit is there in my death, if I go down to the Pit?” He cannot praise God there, he believes. So he begs God to hear him and be gracious to him, to be his helper, to raise him up from the depths. It is a heartfelt prayer of trust in God’s love and mercy. 

And God responds. He raises David up, turning his “mourning into dancing” and wrapping him in gladness. God saves David from his enemies and dries his tears, comforting him and restoring him. David, in turn, breaks out in praise to God. “I will extol thee, O Lord,” he proclaims. His soul reaches out in praise and thanksgiving forever, and he encourages others to join him in this grateful worship. 

For David has a new perspective thanks to his ups and downs. God’s anger, he explains, “is but for a moment, and His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” There are ups and downs in life. There always will be. There are times of suffering and pain, but these are designed to lead us to God, to imitate David in crying out to Him in prayer, and to allow Him to raise us up as He chooses, trusting in His love. And the love of God always triumphs in the end.