Blessing Our Building, Two Years In Advance.

Our guest speaker this past Sunday was Shane Burt-Miller, a member of Bronx Bethany and a recent graduate of Eastern Nazarene College. Though Pastor Shane is only in his early twenties, he has done much to advance the kingdom of God in his spheres of influence.

Pastor Shane's message was a reflection on Psalm 30. For today, let's take time to meditate on this psalm.

Incidentally, or perhaps intentionally, this psalm is a harbinger of the dedication of our new building. (Most scholars believe the psalm was written around 1042 B.C., intended either for the dedication of the house of King David or the dedication of Solomon's temple.)

I will praise you, O Lord, for you lifted me up,

and did not allow my enemies to gloat over me.

O Lord my God,

I cried out to you and you healed me.

O Lord, you pulled me up from Sheol;

you rescued me from among those descending into the grave.

Sing to the Lord, you faithful followers of his;

give thanks to his holy name.

For his anger lasts only a brief moment,

and his good favor restores one’s life.

One may experience sorrow during the night,

but joy arrives in the morning.

In my self-confidence I said,

“I will never be upended.”

O Lord, in your good favor you made me secure.

Then you rejected me and I was terrified.

To you, O Lord, I cried out;

I begged the Lord for mercy:

“What profit is there in taking my life,

in my descending into the Pit?

Can the dust of the grave praise you?

Can it declare your loyalty?

Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me!

O Lord, deliver me!”

Then you turned my lament into dancing;

you removed my sackcloth and covered me with joy.

So now my heart will sing to you and not be silent;

O Lord my God, I will always give thanks to you.