The Dark Valley

Psalm 30:1-12

¹ I exalt you, LORD, because you pulled me up; you didn’t let my enemies celebrate over me. ² LORD, my God, I cried out to you for help, and you healed me. ³ LORD, you brought me up from the grave, brought me back to life from among those going down to the pit. ⁴ You who are faithful to the LORD, sing praises to him; give thanks to his holy name! ⁵ His anger lasts for only a second, but his favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may stay all night, but by morning, joy! ⁶ When I was comfortable, I said, “I will never stumble.” ⁷ Because it pleased you, LORD, you made me a strong mountain. But then you hid your presence. I was terrified. ⁸ I cried out to you, LORD. I begged my Lord for mercy: ⁹ “What is to be gained by my spilled blood, by my going down into the pit? Does dust thank you? Does it proclaim your faithfulness? ¹⁰ LORD, listen and have mercy on me! LORD, be my helper!” ¹¹ You changed my mourning into dancing. You took off my funeral clothes and dressed me up in joy ¹² so that my whole being might sing praises to you and never stop. LORD, my God, I will give thanks to you forever.