Day 156, or June the 5th. Good times soon replace bad times. Our thoughts today are
rooted in Psalm 30 verse 5. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favour lasts
a lifetime. Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Now the big picture surrounding this verse. Psalm 30 is another one that was written by
David. It probably followed one of the many escapes from danger that David experienced
in his life. It was probably later used at the dedication of the temple that was built
by David's son, Solomon. The theme of many of David's psalms is thankfulness, for
God's patience, love, ancestor prayer, and much more. He could have concentrated on things
that went wrong, but whilst he mentions them, he eventually moves on to a positive approach
of thanksgiving to his God.
And now today's action step. David's view of God is very much one of a loving father
who punishes only when necessary, but loves all the time. He tells us clearly that the
hard times are only brief compared to the good times that last a lifetime. Very rarely
do I hear people saying that God has been good for so many years in their life. I usually
hear the opposite comment, that things have been hard from time to time. This thought
of hardship being temporary lines up beautifully with David's immortal line in his twenty-third
psalm, even when I walk through the darkest valley. His emphasis is walking through it
and the fact that it will soon end, rather than its current difficulties and trials.
Our memories of what God has done for us are so different to the way we remember a film
or a football match. When asked about a match, we remember the exciting bits, the great goals,
the superb saves. When asked about a film or a play, we remember the highlights and
twists in the plot. Why not try to recall the positive things that God has done for
you recently? Because they will last, whereas the bad things won't. And you have God's
everlasting word on that.