I really like the Psalms – the book of Psalms. I like the Psalms because they are so expressive, worshipful, spontaneous, awe-inspiring and so indescribably devotional and uplifting. They give us words with which to verbalize our prayers, and they really help us in expressing ourselves as we attempt to bring sacrifices of praise to the most holy Creator/Redeemer, the one true and living God. This is truly the inspired songbook, not only of Israel but of the church, not only back then but the church of modern times. Today, I am transfixed by Psalm 30.
Psalm 30 is a beautiful song of praise. It is renowned as one of David’s song of praise. It is alleged that this song was sung at the dedication of the house of David. Some believe it was sung at the rededication of David’s house after he was driven out by his son, Absalom, and is allowed by the favor of the Almighty God to return safely and without harm. It is a song of thanksgiving for the crushing of that awful rebellion. It is a simple song of genuine praise. It is a praise for God’s holiness (v4). It is a praise for deliverance, for not causing the enemy to prevail, and rejoicing over God’s anointed.

As we explore the text a little further, the message must not be missed that this is not just David’s psalm but a psalm for all of us to sing. In fact, David explicitly invites all of us to sing by the time he gets to verse 4. He declares, “Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness” (v4). The fact that we are still here, in spite of all the enemy has done, is indeed a great cause for praise and enthusiastic celebration.

Like David, we too can loudly declare that He has lifted us up (v1). So many times, we were literally cast down and cast out, but because of Yahweh’s doing we were brought back up. We were raised up. We were resurrected! There were those who chose to literally rejoice over David’s plight and predicament but instead of death, defeat and darkness, the same David that was pushed out, was made to gloriously triumph over his foes. We triumphed!

Therefore, David hastens to put it into writing. He documents. He composes these most exquisite lines of heart-felt gratitude, “I will extol thee, O Lord . . .” (v1). Church, we just can’t praise Him ordinarily or like at other times. Sometimes, it calls for a little bit extra. It calls for high praise, to praise highly, to laud, to eulogize, to praise lavishly, to exalt, to exult. Because of what He has done, we show or feel a lively and triumphant joy. We rejoice exceedingly. We become highly elated or jubilant; we leap for joy as we praise. All this is signified in the expression “I will extol thee, O Lord…”

Not only has the Lord lifted us up, disappointing the enemy (v1), but He has heard our cries and healed us (v2). Thank you, Lord, for divinely healing us! He has brought up our souls from the grave (v3). He has kept us alive so that we should not go down to the pit (v3). Instead of death we now flourish! He has favored us with life, suspending His anger, drying our tears, causing joy to return, dispelling the darkness (v5). He turned our mourning into dancing and put off our sackcloth girding us with gladness (v11). Honestly, there is no way we can remain silent and praise-less today. It does call for a bit extra!