You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness. – Psalm 30:11
The Israelites wore sackcloth, a garment made of coarse, rough material, when they were mourning a death, when asking for healing from a prolonged illness, or with sorrow when pleading for forgiveness for a sin that was committed.
Psalm 30 records King David’s words as he rejoices over God’s hand in his life for protection, or possibly for healing. Whatever it was, David had cried out to the Lord for help and mercy (vv. 2-3, 8). When it was given to him, he was overjoyed with praise and thanksgiving, and threw off the sackcloth… God “clothed me with gladness” (today’s verse).
When the night seems long at times – you mourn over the death of a loved one, you suffer an illness that has sapped your strength, or there is sorrow in your life due to your own or another’s actions – rely on God to take care of you. Plead for His mercy, grace, and guidance in the situation. He alone can give you peace.
Pray for those who have not known the Savior in their life to this point to come to experience God’s Word that brings peace and joy where there has been distress and sadness. Paul and Barnabas brought the Gospel to the people of Antioch, and when they heard the message and believed in the Savior, “they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord” (Acts 13:48).
Believer, be clothed in gladness for you have been saved. As you grieve over the great sins of this nation, pray for the people to repent and turn to the Lord. Cry to the Lord for His help and mercy to heal this land and save its people. He alone can turn your mourning into dancing!
Today’s Verse: Psalm 30:11
You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
you have loosed my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness,
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 30:2-5, 10-12
2 O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,
and you have healed me.
3 O Lord, you have brought up my soul from Sheol;
you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.
4 Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints,
and give thanks to his holy name.
5 For his anger is but for a moment,
and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night,
but joy comes with the morning.
10Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me!
O Lord, be my helper!”
11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
you have loosed my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness,
12 that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
