Psalm 30 Remix: A Psalm of Praise for a Hope Already Realized

The Book of Psalms is like a book of life’s exclamations. The Psalms are understood to me as a collection of prayer songs that reflect different times and experiences throughout Israel’s existence. The Psalms tell us about the people of Israel’s relationship with God and can encourage us to pursue our own collective and individual relationships with God through praying and exploring the Psalms. 
The Psalms are helpful examples of praying and praising in all seasons of life. They offer pathways to expressing through awe and wonder, in pain and letting go, in joy and praise, and with compassion and justice. 


​I appreciate what fourth-century philosopher St. Augustine said about the Psalms: 
“If the psalm prays, you pray. If the psalm laments, you lament. If the psalm exalts, you rejoice. If it hopes, you hope. If it fears, you fear. Everything written here is a mirror for us.” 
 (Augustine, The Confessions, Book IX)

When I turn to the Psalms, I can read and hear how to pray and praise in every season of life, whether rejoicing with those who rejoice, mourning with those who mourn, or languishing with those who languish. I read and hear Psalm 30 as a song of thanksgiving and praise based on the receiving of God’s mercy. A lamenting praise, penned by someone who’s been through some stuff and written through the voice of an individual. Psalm 30 reads to me as a song of praise that has faith, in a hope that has already been realized.

Psalm 30 Remix: A Psalm of Praise for a Hope Already Realized  

I thank you, O God, for your quiet presence in my life.
   Because of You, my anxieties do not completely consume me.
When I have called out for help, I have felt your touch of comfort.
   You have breathed new life into me and made me aware.
I gleefully dance in gladness and praise,
   and sink deeply into joy.
My emotional anxieties and nervousness fade, 
    Love is expansive and unending.
I may have silent tears late in the night, 
   But clarity and joy rise with the sun.
When all was well and easy in my life, I ignored You,
   You did not disrupt my self-contentment.
When I sought you, 
      I fumbled around and lost my way.
What use is it to acquire all the world’s alluring treasures,
    If I have no spiritual anchor in the depths?
You heard my cry and, like manna, sprinkled my path with breadcrumbs to call me home.
    You reached out and guided me through my mind's disorienting darkness. 
My hope in You is realized not just in fleeting moments, 
    But lingers like a song in the air. 
My heart sings, my spirit dances,
    And my soul gives thanks.

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