The Psalms are a beautiful collection of songs and prayers written at pivotal moments in the lives of the people of God. David is the author of many of these songs and prayers which gives us a glimpse into what it means to be “near to the heart of God.”

David is a conflicted character in the Bible, but his focus and worship always remains true to the Living God. When David is pursued by Saul and forced to take refuge in a cave, he sings and prays (Psalm 63). When David violates Bathsheba and has Uriah killed, he responds with prayer and repentance (Psalm 51). At the dedication of the temple, David responds in worship (Psalm 30). What does this mean for us as the people of God?

It means we too have songs to sing and prayers to pray to the Lord. Not only do the Psalms give us voice and words to pray and sing, but they also instruct us on how to find words to pray and sing. They help us to give thanks to God when we have been blessed. They also help us to seek the Lord’s forgiveness when we have failed. They help us to find words to pray for our enemies and when times are seemingly hopeless. They help us hear promises and receive comfort when we are grieving or weary.

Psalm 30 recounts how God has been ever-present and ever active in David’s life. God has brought him up from the deep places of despair. God has disciplined him when he has gone astray. God has protected him from his enemies and has caused him to joyfully dance during some pretty difficult situations. Because of these actions by God, David rejoices and tells us to rejoice. We are to remember how God has been faithful so we can see how God remains faithful.

So, what is your song today? How have you been rescued from your Sheol, your pit, your foes? How have you proclaimed the joy that comes in the morning? How have you received the Lord’s correction and responded with repentance? Ultimately, how have you, like David, allowed your song to be heard by others so they too can rejoice with you by singing their own songs?