A Song for the Dedication
A psalm. A song for the dedication of the house. Of David.
Written for a dedication after healing. David admits that when things went well he assumed he could never be shaken, and then his Father's face was hidden. He argues that dust cannot praise, and ends with mourning clothes swapped for gladness.
30 1I will exalt you, my Father, for you lifted me up and did not let my enemies gloat over me.
2My Father, I cried to you for help, and you healed me. 3My Father, you brought my soul up from the grave; you kept me alive and did not let me go down to the pit.
4Sing to our Father, you his faithful ones, and give thanks to his holy name. 5For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning.
6When I felt secure, I said, "I will never be shaken." 7My Father, by your favor you made my mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed.
8To you, my Father, I called; to the Sovereign Father I pleaded for mercy: 9"What is gained if I am silenced, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness? 10Hear me, my Father, and be gracious to me; my Father, be my helper."
11You turned my mourning into dancing; you stripped off my mourning clothes and clothed me with gladness, 12that my heart may sing your praise and not be silent. My Father, I will give you thanks forever.
