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Finding Hope in the PsalmsSample

Finding Hope in the Psalms

DAY 3 OF 3

TEARS OF PRAISE

Key Verse: Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. (Psalm 30:4)

Years ago, I cared for my mum as she was in hospice. I thanked God for the four months He allowed me to serve as her carer and asked Him to help me through the grieving process. I often struggled to praise God as I wrestled with my mixed emotions. But as my mum breathed her last breath and I wept uncontrollably, I whispered, “Hallelujah.” I felt guilty for praising God in that devastating moment until, years later, I took a closer look at Psalm 30.

In David’s song “for the dedication of the temple,” he worshipped God for His faithfulness and mercy (vv. 1–3). He encouraged others to “praise his holy name” (v. 4). Then David explored how intimately God entwines hardship and hope (v. 5). He acknowledged times of grief and rejoicing, times of feeling secure and being dismayed (vv. 6–7). His cries for help remained laced with confidence in God (vv. 7–10). The echo of his praise wove through David’s moments of wailing and dancing, grief and joy (v. 11). As if acknowledging the mystery and complexity of enduring affliction and anticipating God’s faithfulness, David proclaimed his endless devotion to God (v. 12).

Like David, we can sing, “Lord my God, I will praise you forever” (v. 12). Whether we’re happy or hurting, God can help us declare our trust in Him and lead us to worship Him with joyful shouts and tears of praise.

—Xochitl Dixon

Prayer: Dear God, please help me trust You and praise You as I process my emotions.

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Scripture

Day 2

About this Plan

Finding Hope in the Psalms

Journey through the honest, raw and heartfelt cries of the Psalms with Our Daily Bread. The psalmists’ words will deepen your own conversations with God, revealing the hope He gives to those who put their faith in Him. Let the psalmists inspire you to live a life of security, contentment and joy in the One who fulfils His every promise and meets your every need.

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We would like to thank Our Daily Bread UK & Europe for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://odb.org