Psalm 30

The journey to Resurrection Sunday helps me reflect on where I have been. There are times I need to be reminded of the pit from which God delivered me. I grew up in church. It wasn’t a very deep pit. More of a rut, really. Yet, I was lost. Without Jesus, I was lost.

On Wednesday nights we are studying Tim Keller’s excellent book The Prodigal God and I am reminded of my own tendency to be the elder brother. I haven’t really strayed from the farm. I’ve done what the Father has asked. I’ve kind of “earned” my way. That is the sin of the elder brother.

Reflection on my lostness from time to time helps me stay grounded. Without Jesus I am in deep trouble! Psalm 30 grounds me like no other Psalm. There was a time I was in deep trouble. My spiritual life was on the rocks. Everything was on the rocks. Things were shattered. One day in the midst of that horrible pit the voice of the Spirit spoke to me and said, “I still have you.” The Lord came and rescued me.

This Psalm describes my pit. This Psalm became a theme for me after that time period as I worked to rebuild my life, my family, and my ministry.

Lent is a time to remember. I don’t want to wallow in that pit, but I sure do need to be reminded of it from time to time. It keeps me from being too much of an elder brother.

I dance today. It wasn’t always that way. The power of grace keeps me dancing.