Psalm 30:1-12
I will exalt you, Lord,
for you lifted me out of the depths
and did not let my enemies gloat over me.
Lord my God, I called to you for help,
and you healed me.
You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead;
you spared me from going down to the pit.
Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people;
praise his holy name.
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.
When I felt secure, I said,
“I will never be shaken.”
Lord, when you favored me,
you made my royal mountain[c] stand firm;
but when you hid your face,
I was dismayed.
To you, Lord, I called;
to the Lord I cried for mercy:
“What is gained if I am silenced,
if I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it proclaim your faithfulness?
Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me;
Lord, be my help.”
You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
Lord my God, I will praise you forever.
Romans 12:14
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Devotion
Psalm 30 is a song of victory. In it, David declares that God’s wrath lasts only for a moment while God’s favor or blessings last a lifetime. As recipients of God’s blessings, we see several benefits that come as a result of them. The first is that God provides victory over our enemies. The second is that God provides healing. The third is that God provides strength and security. Lastly, we see that God’s favor provides joy for those who trust in Him. It is important to note that God’s blessings are not just for our benefit!
As we experience God’s blessings, we are then instructed to be a blessing to others. Just as the virtuous woman was a blessing to her family and community, we are called to be a blessing to those around us. According to the Apostle Paul, we are to be a blessing even to our enemies. This, no doubt, would be a difficult thing to do. But when we are basking in the light of God’s blessings, He enables us to be a blessing to others.
Questions to Ponder:
How are you blessing others during this COVID-19 pandemic? In what ways has God blessed you over this past year? Are you able to be a blessing to those who persecute you?
Prayer Points
- Ask the LORD to remind you of ways He has blessed you with gifts He has given you which you can use to bless those around you.
- Thank the LORD for ways people have blessed you over the years (cards, words of encouragement, gifts, hugs, time together, helped with something, meal, etc.)
Suggested Prayer
God, thank You for the blessings that you have poured out on me. Father, I confess that there are seasons when I don’t feel blessed and have a stubborn heart towards you as a result of that. I ask that you open my eyes during those times so that I am able to see how You are working for my good, even when I can’t see it. When I’m reminded of all the ways that you have blessed me, please help me to return that blessing to the people around me. Help me to love them well. Help me to serve them well. Help me to encourage them well. Help me to point them towards You because You are the greatest blessing of all! Thank you for the gift of Jesus and the forgiveness that is only found through faith in Him! I pray all of this in Jesus’ name. Amen.