By Teman Knight
Adjunct Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
THE GOD WHO RESCUES
Psalm 30:1–12
Psalm 30 is an individual psalm of thanksgiving that came to be associated with the rededication of the temple when it was rebuilt. The original intent of the psalm was for an individual (David) to thank God for His deliverance.
Gratitude is not something we express enough in our society. Many have a feeling of entitlement and think we deserve it, should have received more or should have received it sooner.
As believers, we should be thankful for every blessing we receive.
We know that every good gift is a gift from God that we do not deserve. Often — like when Jesus healed the 10 lepers — only a small percentage of us pause to thank God.
Paul reminds us, “Give thanks in everything for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 5:18). When our grandchildren receive something we often prompt them with, “What do you say?”
Saying “thank you” reminds us that we owe someone else for what they have provided or done for us. We’re not independent; we are reliant on someone else. The psalmist reminds us that we owe everything to God and prompts us with, “What do you say?”
Be thankful God rescues us from destruction. (1–5)
The Psalmist begins by exalting the Lord. We should praise God because of who He is. We also praise Him because of what He has done.
The psalmist identifies four reasons to thank God. First, He lifted us up from where we had fallen. Second, He has protected us from our enemies.
In addition, when we cried out to God He healed us from our sickness. Also, He saved us from death and the grave. We can thank Him for these things and for all the times He has delivered us.
Because of God’s deliverance, the psalmist invites us to “sing to the Lord” and “praise His holy name.” We are motivated to praise God because He is holy. “Praise His holy name” in Hebrew literally reads “and give thanks for the memory of His holiness.”
“Holy” means “different.” God is not like us. God is not like the false gods that other people worshipped. He is holy and deserves to be praised and worshipped.
The psalmist reminds us that God’s anger only lasts a moment, but life is found in His favor or grace.
We may be weeping tonight but joy is coming. Be thankful God rescues us from the destruction we deserve.
Be thankful God rescues us from pride. (6–10)
Thankfulness comes from realizing we are not self-reliant but totally dependent upon God. David pridefully thought he could stand on his own strength.
He came to realize that the only time he could stand at all was when God showed him His favor.
When he attempted to stand without God he was terrified, but when he placed his trust in God and sought His favor, he was able to stand.
Be thankful God rescues us from sorrow. (11–12)
God can turn every aspect of our lives around. When we cry out for His grace and His favor and place our trust in God, He changes everything.
He transforms our grief into dancing. God transforms our mourning into joy. He puts a song into our hearts. We cannot remain silent. His faithful ones must cry out with thankfulness and praise to our God forever.
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