Life on earth is but a speck of time in the light of eternity. Our pain and suffering are but a passing moment that teach us to endure and turn to someone bigger than ourselves. Psalm 30 reveals David's understanding of the transitory nature of human suffering. He reflects, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."
Life is a series of pain, disappointments, and frustrations one after the other. But in between our lowest points are also moments marked by rejoicing and celebration such as the birth of a child, the union of two lovers in marriage, or the excitement of grandparents over their grandchildren. Life is hard. But life is also good.
Psalm 30 enumerates David's own personal battles and how he's been thrilled by answered prayers. He extols God for His protection from his enemies, rejoices in his physical healing, exults in God for saving him from certain death, and praises God "for His anger only last for a moment but His favor is for life."
Each of us has a story to tell and we bear the scars of life, some not so serious but others have run through the full gamut of human suffering so unbearable that they have been changed forever. It tugs at the heart yet the perseverance of the human spirit when tested beyond limits would often leave us breathless in silent wonder.
"You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness," declares David. Take heart. Our suffering is but transitory; this too shall pass. For even in death the body takes a respite and the redeemed spirit goes back to its Maker in glorious rhapsody. Trust the One who is all too familiar with human suffering - Christ Himself. He assures us:
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27).