The Blessing of Answered Prayer

Topic: Prayer
Passage: Psalms 30:1–12

March 31, 2022

Commentary

It seems that David may have written this psalm during the time of the purchase, and erection of an altar in the dedication of the threshing floor of Araunah (II Sam. 24). We do know that prosperity had caused David to become self-confident and proud. As a result of this God sent a great plague upon Israel which killed 70,000 men in one day  (I Chron. 2:7-12). It is even thought by some that David fell grievously ill and was close to death because of this plague. It appears that God has dealt wondrously with His servant, in rescuing him from the jaws of death. Now he thanks God for protecting him from:

  1. Scornful men (v. 1)
  2. Serious problems (vv. 2-3)

David tells the Lord that His faithful people will praise Him with songs (v. 4). His anger lasts for a little while but His kindness lasts for a lifetime (v. 5). David had been carefree and thought he would never be shaken (v. 6). It seems that David had learned his lesson. He now realizes that his safety lies in keeping in touch with God and the only way to do this is through prayer (vv. 7-10). His sorrow was transformed to joy (vv. 11-12).

  1. His approach (v. 8). He pleaded with the Lord and really got serious in his praying.
  2. His appeal (v. 9). He said, “Lord I’m  more use to you living than dead.”
  3. His application (v. 10). It is a great idea to use the power of persuasion  with God. Not because He needs to be convinced but because we do.

Application

If I am going to be an effective vessel for God I must learn to be a person of prayer.

Psalms 30:1– 12 (NET)

1 I will praise you, O Lord, for you lifted me up, and did not allow my enemies to gloat over me.

2 O Lord my God, I cried out to you and you healed me.

3 O Lord, you pulled me up from Sheol; you rescued me from among those descending into the grave.

4 Sing to the Lord, you faithful followers of his; give thanks to his holy name.

5 For his anger lasts only a brief moment, and his good favor restores one’s life. One may experience sorrow during the night, but joy arrives in the morning.

6 In my self-confidence I said, “I will never be shaken.”

7 O Lord, in your good favor you made me secure. Then you rejected me and I was terrified.

8 To you, O Lord, I cried out; I begged the Lord for mercy:

9 “What profit is there in taking my life, in my descending into the Pit? Can the dust of the grave praise you? Can it declare your loyalty?

10 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me. O Lord, deliver me.”

11 Then you turned my lament into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and covered me with joy.

12 So now my heart will sing to you and not be silent; O Lord my God, I will always give thanks to you.