QT 9/5/2022 Ps 30:4-5, Prayer is the key to understanding good times and bad times

Psalm 30:4–6 (ESV) —

4 Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints,

and give thanks to his holy name.

5 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.

6 As for me, I said in my prosperity,

“I shall never be moved.”

 

NOTE: There are times of pain and there are times of joy. It is hard in the midst of either to see the other. Pain is more memorable and more blinding. Nothing seems good and life seems almost pointless. It is difficult to think back on good times and it is difficult to believe that God is bringing about good. Faith, if honest, is hard. And that is why prayer is the most important tool during those times.  We can't gin up faith, but we can express our true feelings. We can complain to God in prayer, and it is a good thing. It helps and it does seem to increase faith.

 

Psalm 55:17 (NASB95) —

17 Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and murmur,

And He will hear my voice.

 

But prayer is also the key during the good times. We need to develop a spirit of thankfulness for everything around us -- it could disappear in a moment (and is more likely to disappear if we think it is our due or take it for granted). In verse 6, David relates a time when he did take it for granted, and it was a foolish choice.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I pray in true openness and frankness to God in the times of pain?
2. Do I take life for granted when things are going well?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the hard lessons of life. I readily admit they were for my good although I would never willingly choose them. Thank you for these days of peace which are in sharp contrast to the other days. There is so much good I experience and I am truly undeserving of your kindness. Thank you for both times.