Psalm 30 Meditation | The Danger of Living by Sight

It is completely normal to live by sight; to allow circumstances to shape our thinking. In Psalm 30 David describes two ways of living by sight. On the one hand, life’s challenges can make us fearful. We fear declining health or a slumping economy. We suspect the worst possible outcome to our marriage, or the future of our children. When we are weeping in the night we cannot imagine joy coming in the morning (5). Our problems defy hope. But the right answer to fear is not self-confidence, though David tried that too. “As for me, I said in my prosperity, “I shall never be moved” (6). Success can make us forget the unseen hand of providence.
To live by sight is dangerous, whether circumstances tint our vision with optimism or pessimism. What we see and feel can easily overshadow more sure but less seen realities. Life’s wavering circumstances are a dangerous guide for our hearts. We must “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7). Psalm 30 teaches us to look to God in both trouble and prosperity.
When David was in trouble he cried to God for mercy. And God answered and drew him up from the pit. This is what God’s children can always anticipate because this is the trajectory of the ministry of Jesus. God sent his Son from the glories of heaven into the pit of a sinful world. He wept He mourned. He cried out for help. For a time God angrily hid his face while his enemies rejoiced over him. Our Lord Jesus sank as low as possible. But the night of weeping gave way to the morning of joy! And when Christ rose again from humiliation he reserved a place for us in heavenly glory. Our story is bound with his. We suffer with him that we might also reign with him (2 Tim. 2:12). No matter our present circumstances the cry of the redeemed will be: “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness” (11).
And faith believes that the God who shows us mercy is worthy to be praised. The Lord reverses our sad fortunes that we may “sing [his] praise and not be silent” (12). Psalm 30 was for the “dedication of the temple” (superscription). Let us approach God’s holy place with gladness and extol the Lord, singing praises and giving thanks to the one who lifts us up.

[@rockyrex7673]

Thank you for this!

[@user-ez5vc4lq5m]

Thanks for guidance.