“Wailing or Dancing”
May 2025
“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.”
Psalm 30:11-12
Before you read further, I invite you to take a few moments and read all of Psalm 30. I put the concluding verses above, but this Psalm runs the gamut of a life of faith.
Psalm 30 starts with praise and worship (1-3), which is the bedrock of our faith. Then it reminds us to continue to “sing the praises of the Lord” (4) because we know we all need reminders.
This Psalm discusses the difficulties we face, sometimes because of our sin (5a), and sometimes because sadness happens (5c). But it also points out God’s lasting favor (5b) and joy for the morning (5d). Psalm 30 also points out the confidence we feel (6), and the doubt that can creep in (7).
In other words, whatever direction you approach this Psalm from (joy, despair, sinfulness, righteousness, etc.), it can help shed light on your path.
The last two verses sum this Psalm up well. Faith, just like life, is not an easy journey. There will be moments of wailing and dancing, repentance and joy. But the declaration at the end is timeless:
“Lord, my God, I will praise you forever.”
It’s like the Psalmist has made up their mind. No matter what happens, I’m going to praise God. Wherever we find ourselves today, we need to remember that God knows where we are. Even when it feels like God has “hidden his face” (7), we’re reminded that the light of Resurrection is always shining.
This Psalmist cried out in the midst of their trouble and found that God was listening. Whether we’re wailing or dancing, God is always there.
In Christ,
Pastor Thomas
Psalm 30:11-12
Before you read further, I invite you to take a few moments and read all of Psalm 30. I put the concluding verses above, but this Psalm runs the gamut of a life of faith.
Psalm 30 starts with praise and worship (1-3), which is the bedrock of our faith. Then it reminds us to continue to “sing the praises of the Lord” (4) because we know we all need reminders.
This Psalm discusses the difficulties we face, sometimes because of our sin (5a), and sometimes because sadness happens (5c). But it also points out God’s lasting favor (5b) and joy for the morning (5d). Psalm 30 also points out the confidence we feel (6), and the doubt that can creep in (7).
In other words, whatever direction you approach this Psalm from (joy, despair, sinfulness, righteousness, etc.), it can help shed light on your path.
The last two verses sum this Psalm up well. Faith, just like life, is not an easy journey. There will be moments of wailing and dancing, repentance and joy. But the declaration at the end is timeless:
“Lord, my God, I will praise you forever.”
It’s like the Psalmist has made up their mind. No matter what happens, I’m going to praise God. Wherever we find ourselves today, we need to remember that God knows where we are. Even when it feels like God has “hidden his face” (7), we’re reminded that the light of Resurrection is always shining.
This Psalmist cried out in the midst of their trouble and found that God was listening. Whether we’re wailing or dancing, God is always there.
In Christ,
Pastor Thomas
