Read Psalm 30-31
Verse chosen for meditation: Psalm 30:3 ESV
O LORD, you have brought up my soul from Sheol; you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.
Reflect
This chapter of the Psalter is crafted in the style of a thanksgiving. More specifically, as is believed by some scholars, a song for the dedication of David's palace. Or perhaps, the temple though it was not until the reign of Solomon that the temple was finally built.
As befitting a thanksgiving, it includes the de rigueur testimony or testimonies. By which, the character of God is given another fresh look, and appreciated once more for its worth through the shared or narrated accounts. At such times, God seems familiarly understood. He's no longer the aloof, or the unconcerned one, but the God who cares. What's due next is the offering of praise. By then, it'll not be by one sole individual but many.
Providing inspiring material for the Psalm is life itself and its myriad polar opposites. Like the change of state from feeling low to high, the comparison to night and day, and the contrast between the fleeting moments of God's anger and the lasting effects of his favour.
Relate
In that case, a thanksgiving should be written every so often since it helps to keep our memories of God alive, of the many ways that he touches us with his love and mercy. And when a testimony of such love and grace is shared, the potential of the impact being multiplied cannot be overstated.
However, to do that, we'll need the grace of God to weather the ups and downs of life: to the hilt, then the pit, back to the summit. This same descent and trajectory faced by the psalmist in his own life, along with the rich experiences, subsequently became testimony fodder. A thanksgiving ode to God who became familiar and touched creation where it mattered most.
I had a similar 'hilt, pit and summit' experience where I was extremely high for a moment, then brought really low for a while, and brought back up slowly again to the top. I couldn't say it was a pleasant ride, to be honest. For it struck a raw nerve here and there every now and then. At one point, it even felt like I had reached a dead end till I cried out, "Lord, part the waters." What followed was something that came out of a song, 'You raised me up".
I must say that, to date, God's favour has outlasted his anger. For I wouldn't have been able to withstand a minute longer of his anger if not for his grace, which soothes like balm. It's amazing that he knows even the smallest detail of my limits. Therefore, I want to believe that I'm still enjoying his favour. After all, did it not say for a lifetime? Though after a while, it would take a sensitive and discerning spirit to appreciate it.
A spirit that's been conditioned by the practise of Thanksgiving.
Rest
Lord, you parted the waters. You raised me up. You even turned my wailing into dancing. Indeed, you are God. Each time you touch my world with your love and mercy, I know you more. And I want to give you thanks.
Naville Chia
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