Reading
SAA Notes
This is a psalm written in hope. David did not live to see the Temple built! He believed the promises of God that Solomon would build it, so he wrote this psalm to be sung at its dedication. The occasion that gave rise to this psalm is probably 2 Samuel 24 and the stopping of the plague.
SJA Notes
* Glorious God, You are the one, the only one, who can and does forgive sin – powerful to enact redemption and loving to choose to do so. Thank You Lord!
“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,”
This is a strong word of hope for us today, especially when experiencing hardship or sorrow.
Importantly, it is a word for when we are experiencing the hard-to-swallow fruits from our own foolish decision-making.
God is merciful. He stayed His hand when David sinned (1 Chronicles 21, 2 Samuel 24).
True for David. True for us.
Our God is merciful, and His favour lasts for a lifetime.
We will suffer travail on this narrow road, and sometimes it will be because we have done the wrong thing. But the struggle with pass, God restores us and turns our mourning into dancing.
He clothes us with gladness – Hallelujah!
* Merciful Father in Heaven,
You are our Good Shepherd – Thank You!
Even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, You are with us. Your rod and staff to protect us, to guide us.
Thank You Lord – May we sing Your praise and not be silent.
Amen.