In reading the commentaries on Psalm 69:30-36, it was apparent that in order to get a true picture of what the Psalmist is saying, the entire Psalm needed to be read. Upon further review, I can break down what is going on here as follows: In verses 1-29, David is basically venting about a time of trial and tribulation, but he ends with today’s passage, in which he gives thanks for all that God has and has yet to provide. Verses 31-32 say that this will be more pleasing to God than any burnt offering.
After reading and reflecting on the entire psalm, I am trying to imagine what David may have been enduring at the time. I am sure it was much worse than some of those days that I call difficult or stressful. I think about how in times of trouble, how I tend to internalize the bad, let things simmer for way too long, and then finally, the tea kettle erupts and I lose my cool with someone who most likely wasn’t deserving of that sort of treatment.
We all have been there before I am willing to bet. Sometimes, probably more often than we would like to admit. What I do know for sure though, is that in times of trouble, sometimes I do something similar to what David has done in this psalm and instead of focusing on the situation, I try to focus on God and what he has done for me. I find that when I reflect on all that I have to be thankful for, and what God has yet to provide for me, it helps set my mind at ease and reflect on what really matters most. It may make for a bad day when I don’t get my coffee in the morning, forget my wallet at home, have negative interactions with a co-worker or student, and then get the pile of papers to grade added to the mix, but as a friend of mine always says, “this too shall pass.” A day, month, or even year later, most of the things that stress me out won’t matter even a little bit, but God and God’s love are everlasting. And for that, I give thanks.
Matt Blaser
November 28, 2013 at 6:41 am
ALONG WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS AND SO MANY BLESSING, I AM GOING TO ADD 1st PRES AND THE OPPORTUNITY OF THIS DAILY READING AND SHARING.TO ADD”CONNECT WITH ONE ANOTHER.
November 28, 2013 at 7:32 am
I too have many things to be thankful for and on this Thanksgiving morning, I reflect on them. Though reading and blogging about thanksgiving passages is nearly over, let us remember them and always be thankful. Thanks to everyone for their reflections and blog comments. It is always a wonderful start to my day. Happy Thanksgiving.
November 28, 2013 at 7:47 am
I am sooo impressed with our First Pres. Fellow members and feel surrounded by love.
November 29, 2013 at 12:45 pm
ditto-marvin
November 28, 2013 at 8:11 am
Happy Thanksgiving to all! Boy, do I relate to David. I can say with all certainty that without my church family and this wonderful study forum that the past few weeks would have been devastating. Thanks, Matt, for sharing these thoughts.
November 28, 2013 at 9:55 am
Thanks for the encouragement Matt. It’s good to rest in love and grace.
November 28, 2013 at 12:25 pm
Bless The Lord oh my soul and all that is within me, today and forever.
November 28, 2013 at 2:54 pm
Reminds me of a song by Jamie Grace. I can’t remember which one it is, but it’s the one in which she sings about how one day just keeps going wrong over and over again, but God is always there to fix it all in his own mighty way. Thanks for sharing, Matt!
November 28, 2013 at 8:03 pm
We’ll said!
November 28, 2013 at 8:04 pm
I meant well said.
November 29, 2013 at 1:01 pm
verse 8 may refer to Jesus’ 1/2 brothers not believing in Him(jn 7.5 and mk 3.21)
verse 9 may deal with temple cleansing(mt 21.12-13; mk 11.15-18; lk 19.45-46; jn 2.11-17)of which there may have been at least 2 and maybe 3 cleansings
verse 21 would be on the cross
verse 28 is interesting and hotly debated among scholars-perhaps everyone starts with “a clean slate” of opportunity to accept Christ?
verse 31 is that praise pleases God more than sacrifices-true also is obedience see
1sam 15.22