Psalm 30 (NRSV)
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Verse 1I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up, and did not let my foes rejoice over me.
Verse 2O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.
Verse 3O Lord, you brought up my soul from Sheol, restored me to life from among those gone down to the Pit.
Verse 4Sing praises to the Lord, O you his faithful ones, and give thanks to his holy name.
Verse 5For his anger is but for a moment; his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
Verse 6As for me, I said in my prosperity, "I shall never be moved."
Verse 7By your favor, O Lord, you had established me as a strong mountain; you hid your face; I was dismayed.
Verse 8To you, O Lord, I cried, and to the Lord I made supplication:
Verse 9"What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the Pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it tell of your faithfulness?
Verse 10Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to me! O Lord, be my helper!"
Verse 11You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
Verse 12so that my soul may praise you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.
Devotion
The service was about to begin. The bell choir took their positions in front of a full church. After weeks of practice the children were ready to play a joyful call to worship. They stood proudly behind their bells. But there was a problem. One spot was empty. Where was Mason?
The sanctuary door opened. In came Mason. He made his way to the front of the church. The choir director held her baton. The kids were at attention. Mason fumbled with his music. He struggled to find his place. The baton was raised. The children lifted their bells. Mason lost control of his bell and it crashed into another bell.
Mason looked up and declared with exasperation, “I am having a bad day.” Everyone laughed. Everyone knew what Mason was feeling. In this precious moment our shared human condition was apparent. Mason set the tone for the honest and joyful worship which followed.
Prayer
Good and Gracious God, you do not call us to be perfect, only faithful. You do not call us to be successful, only faithful. Give us joy and laughter and help us to make a difference this day. Amen