Favor for a Lifetime

Ps. 30:5

"For His anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes in the morning."

The preceding verse says to "sing praises to the Lord, O you His saints, and give thanks to His holy name." What is the reason for this praise and thanksgiving? It is because God's anger is momentary with His favor spanning a lifetime. I think this anger refers to God's judgment toward His children, not His judgment on the unsaved. For the believer and for David, this anger could be discipline or judgment for disobedience which David had experienced firsthand. This would be a very valid reason for rejoicing in God's lasting favor. Also Israel's history demonstrated in a very harsh way the full scope of God's judgment when He allowed other nations to subjugate her.

But what does this mean for me? Why is His anger momentary? It all comes down to His favor. What is favor? It is nothing less than His grace. It is because of His grace that he can discipline or judge and then show mercy, steadfast love, and great grace. It is because of His grace that He can be slow to anger. So God's discipline in my life may bring tears of grief and repentance, but I can always rest in this promise. This time of discipline will be short-lived because His grace is everlasting and ever available. Grace brings joy in the morning; grace brings hope; and grace brings praise and thanksgiving.

Father,

Keep my eyes and my heart focused on Your great grace. Help me see it even in Your discipline. Thank You for this great promise of Your unlimited and everlasting grace.

In Jesus name,

Amen