Day 169

Pain and Praise

Read: Psalms 29-33

In Psalm 29, God is praised as the writer considers the power of God expressed in thunder. Here we note one of the techniques of the psalms: repetition. The divine name “Lord” (Yahweh) is mentioned 18 times in 11 verses. The result is to focus our attention where it ought to be focused, on the Lord.

In the ESV and other translations, the heading of Psalm 30 speaks of the temple, since the Hebrew word is bayith, which means “house.” But the occasion for the psalm must have been the dedication of David’s palace. This beautiful home is a symbol of his present prosperity compared to his years of being persecuted. Indeed, “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning” (v. 5). We may endure long years of difficulty, but we shall have joy for eternity.

“Into your hand I commit my spirit” from Psalm 31:5 (ESV) is quoted by Jesus among his last words on the cross. The line from verse 13, “Terror on every side” is quoted by Jeremiah five times.

Psalm 32 is another penitential psalm. For the psalmist, communion with God is the source of his greatest joy. He describes how terrible it is to have that communion destroyed by his sin and how wonderful when, as a result of heartfelt confession, sin is forgiven and fellowship is restored. Psalm 33 is a beautiful example of a song of praise to God.

PRAYER
Father, we confess our sin. Forgive us and give us the joy of fellowship with you. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.