Thursday 5 November, 2020

A psalm. A song. For the dedication of the temple. Of David. 1 I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. 2 Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. 3 You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit. 4 Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. 5 For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. 6 When I felt secure, I said, “I will never be shaken.” 7 Lord, when you favored me, you made my royal mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed. 8 To you, Lord, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy: 9 “What is gained if I am silenced, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness? 10 Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me; Lord, be my help.” 11 You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, 12 that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.

God’s favour is for a lifetime. 

We will have times of mourning. As David did, we will sin. We will have times when we feel that God is distant, even though He isn’t. We will have times when the daily grind just seems to be overwhelming. 

But all of these ups and downs occur in the long-term context of Gods favour. God mourns with us. He paid the price to free us from sin with His own blood. He promises to never leave us. He promises that if we’re walking with Him even the daily grind is growing and sharpening us, making us more like Him. What incredible favour from the Maker of the Universe! We live with a constant hope that though weeping may tarry for the night, joy will come in the morning. 

Thank you Lord, for the favour you showed us when you sent your Son to save us. Lord please help us to be a people of hope, certain of things we have not yet seen come to fruition. 

Written by Rhiannon Mellor