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A Joyful Morning Has Come
Psalm 30
Mari Ikeda
A. Jesus was risen from the dead (1-5)
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.
B. When death feels near (6-10)
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. ”
C. The Lord gives us the joy of living (11-12)
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.
Summary
On the morning Jesus rose from the dead, an eternal, unshakable hope was given to all people throughout the world. Through Jesus’ cross and resurrection, the God who created the world, proved once and for all that he will never abandon us and that he wants us to live a life filled with joy. No matter how much sadness and emptiness we experience, we know that a joy and hope far greater than death is already ours.
For Discussion
1. What is the “joy of living” that Jesus offers us?
2. What should we do when we find ourselves giving in to despair?