Psalms 30 – 32

Psalm 30 appears to be written at one of David’s low points, most likely when being chased by Saul. Verse 30:3 gives on this impression:

You lifted me from the grave with a mighty hand,
    gave me another chance,
    and saved me from joining those in that dreadful pit.

One only has to look back at how many times Saul nearly killed David or at least had the chance to. Also, this could be his asking forgiveness for his transgressions with Bathsheba. Either way we get to see the forgiving grace of God and how he’s not ready to strike us down for our sins, but rater wants to embrace us. The key is respect and honor in this relationship. Treat your earthly father like crap and he may write you out of his will, although he will still love you. It’s no different with God, He wants respect and dignity.

Verse 31:2 is something to note:

Hear me, Lord! Turn Your ear in my direction.
    Come quick! Save me!
Be my rock, my shelter,
    my fortress of salvation!

If the phrase “turn Your ear” sounds familiar, David uses it 6 times in the Psalms. Each time I read it I think the same thing. God is always listening, it’s the response we expect that is the idea we are being ignored. Often we pray and don’t get the response we expect, and assume God is not listening. Many times it is decades later that it becomes clear that God WAS listening, He just knew better. So when you think you are in “winter” or God is not listening, know that His lack of response does not mean he is not listening.

Verse 32:3 is a key to our relationship with God:

When I refused to admit my wrongs, I was miserable,
    moaning and complaining all day long
    so that even my bones felt brittle.

We must be in a constant state of confession, not just a pray once and all will be forgiven. Also, repentance is more than just praying for forgiveness, but not continuing in the sin. I think about how many times I confess and continue, thinking somehow I am blessed. In reality it’s not about the words, but the actions or lack there of. Jesus said “go and sin no more”, not you are forgiven over and over again … have fun!! David knows this an is showing in his prayer. Notice most of the times David sinned, it was the only time. Sure he and his family paid the consequence many times, the sin was forgiven.