“Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”
– Psalm 30:4-5
Main thought: David opens this Psalm in the first three verses with adoration for God’s help and healing when he cried out to Him. In response to that, David admonishes the saints of God to sing praises to the name of the Lord and give thanks to Him. How often we neglect to praise and thank our Lord when we have cried out to Him for help in a crisis, or we have called upon Him for healing in an event of disease concerning ourselves or a loved one, and then God in His love and mercy helps deliver us and heals us. In Psalm 34:1 he writes “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Is there ever a lack of things for us to give praise and thanks to God for? Of course not, and as God’s children we are to be the most thankful of all people on this earth. We have been given eternal life and the promise of grace and mercy every day from our Father in heaven, so how can we not give thanks to His holy name? As David states here there are times of the anger of God, sometimes in His discipline of us when we are disobedient, but that anger in comparison to eternity “is but for a moment” and His favor is new and bountiful and abundant for every day as long as we live, and yes even beyond that into eternity for Jesus has promised that He has gone to prepare us a place and will return to take us to that place He has prepared (John 14:1-3). David reminds us that there will be weeping in this life from time to time, as we all know so well. But that weeping will be temporary and will be replaced by the joy of the Lord in the morning. That is the promise Jesus gives us, that we shall have tribulation and trials and weeping in this world, but we have the joy of the Lord each day because of His Spirit that lives within every one of His children. And even beyond that, there will be a day when the morning dawns with the return of our Lord Jesus Christ and we will have eternal joy, and there will no longer be any weeping or sorrow. Child of God, praise and thank Him for his blessing today, and also for the promise of eternal life and joy when He returns.
David Webber
David Webber is married to Mary with four children and four grandchildren, and serves as the Pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Longview, TX. He obtained a BS in History from the University of Texas at Tyler, TX, and pursued studies at Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, TX. Throughout his ministry, he has been an invited preacher and educator in numerous churches and various Bible conferences. Surrendering to the gospel ministry’s calling in 1972 at the age of 16, he received preaching licensure from Little Flock Baptist Church in Longview, Texas, in 1974. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1978, he was ordained in December of 1980 by Faith Baptist Church. Following this, he contributed his services to Faith Baptist in Longview and subsequently engaged with Grace Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, where he instructed Sunday School and delivered sermons as needed. In February of 1994, Faith Baptist invited him to lead as their pastor, a role he has faithfully held to the present day. David writes a blog for the church website and is a writer for The Art of Worship.
More from David Webber
Romans 15:1-2
“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” – Romans 15:1-2
Hosea 6:6
“For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” – Hosea 6:6
Hebrews 11:24-26
“By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharoah’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.” – Hebrews 11:24-26
Revelation 22:20-21
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen” – Revelation 22:20-21
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” – Matthew 6:14-15
Isaiah 8:20
“To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.” – Isaiah 8:20
2 Corinthians 4:7
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves.” – 2 Corinthians 4:7
1 Thessalonians 5:19
“Do not quench the Spirit.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:19
Colossians 2:5
“For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.” – Colossians 2:5
Galatians 6:1
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” – Galatians 6:1