Psalm 30 has an interesting structure. Some psalms have a clear progression, perhaps stating a problem and then asking God for help, or describing a previous problem and then expressing gratitude for God’s deliverance. This psalm, however, seems to bounce back and forth between joy and sorrow. Maybe David is trying to imitate the ups and downs of life? Perhaps, as this psalm is intended for the dedication of the temple, it is intended to emphasize that in every season, it is right to come to God. After rescue, we come to him with grateful praise (v.1-4). After pride (v.6), we come to him with humble repentance (v.5-12). When in need, we come to him in prayer (v.8-10).
O Lord, it seems David had a vision of your temple being the center of your people’s lives, that they would always be coming back and forth: coming to ask for your provision, going out in faith, and returning to praise you for your provision; coming to learn your Word and going to live it out; coming to repent of pride and going out with the joy of your forgiveness.
Jesus, you have taught your followers that you have replaced the temple. No longer do we need to go to it, we go to you. We praise you Jesus, because there are no pilgrimages necessary: you live in our hearts and we can therefore always come to you. And yet, we still need to make a habit of coming to you. So we pray: may we make you the very center of our lives, that we are always coming back to you, seeking your wisdom and mercy, obeying your every command, receiving your love and provision, and praising you with every fiber of our being. Jesus, you are our King, hero, and friend. We love you and praise you, now and forever, amen.
