“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.” (Psalm 30:11–12, NIV)
The doctor walked in the hospital room. I stood in the back against the wall. The young boy was in the hospital bed. His mother and father were on each side of the bed. I could tell from the doctor’s expression that the test had not gone well. The doctor said to the parents, “The damage to his stomach and intestines is terrible. He may not eat normally again.”
Then, the doctor turned to me and said, “I think we need extra prayers on this one. I don’t know what to do to stop the virus that is raging inside him. It’s time to break out all the prayers. Call whomever you can and get them praying, too.”
I responded, “Doc, we’ve got hundreds praying for this boy and his family. I’ve got hope God will help. When I pray, that’s how I feel anyway.” The doctor left the room after shaking my hand. I could see a frown and some fear on his face. This young boy was very sick, and the doctors couldn’t stop the virus that was waging war in his body.
Psalm 30 was written by David to extol the power of God to come through for the faithful. It was written about a time when David’s health was failing, and his hope was flagging. David “cried to the Lord for help” (Psalm 30:2). He really thought he might die (Psalm 30:9). God came through. God healed David and helped him to recover. In response, David penned the words in our scripture for today. He boldly claimed how God had “turned his wailing into dancing”. God had removed David’s “sackcloth” in which he suffered (Psalm 30:11). David’s response to God’s help was passionate. David wanted to “sing God’s praises and not be silent” (Psalm 30:12). David wanted to “praise God forever”.
I have witnessed many people who were healed while the doctors remained baffled. I have witnessed people whose lives were changed completely by God’s intervention. God brought comfort to the bereaved, hope to the hurting, peace to the damaged soul, help to the lonely. God came through. In response, the people sang God’s praises. They talked about God’s presence during their dark hours. Whether its depression, health issues, bad thoughts, bad habits, regrets, pain, or betrayal, God can help in great and wonderful ways. God can brighten your day. God’s healing touch can change your crying to laughter. Like David in this scripture, your life can move from thoughts of death to moments of joy.
Why do people not reach out to God for help? Why do they ignore the one who knows them heart and soul and mind? God is a great healer, hope, deliverer, and savior. There is no better source to turn than to God when you are in trouble. Though suffering from great pains and betrayal, Jesus turned to God the Father on the cross. In days, Jesus was resurrected. The tears of His hurting disciples and family were replaced with joy. The family in the story above also cried out asking God for help. The boy did recover. Actually, it was a miracle. The doctor confided to me that he couldn’t explain the change in health. I knew who made the change. I know who helped.
For weeks after the boy from the hospital came home, people heard his story about God’s intervention. The parents were convinced that God had a hand it the healing. The virus died suddenly and disappeared from the boy. Though every medicine given to the boy failed to work, the boy was healed two days after the doctor said to me that “we need extra prayers on this one.” The doctor just shook his head in amazement at the changes. The boy has never gone back to the hospital for that condition since.
When things look bleak, don’t hesitate to turn to the Holy One who can help. Put your trust in God’s grace. Don’t hold back. Just don’t be surprised when God does help or heal or bring you through.
There are situations where God withholds healing for unknown reasons. In heaven, we’ll find out why. However, God helps people far more than you even know. Many times, people call a miracle coincidence, give credit to a doctor or medicine, or cite luck in the process. Don’t be so naïve. You and I both know that God has a hand in a lot more than humans ever give HIM credit. David, in Psalm 30, was giving credit where credit was due. God was the one who healed him. God was the one who helped, when nothing else could.
Then, the doctor turned to me and said, “I think we need extra prayers on this one. I don’t know what to do to stop the virus that is raging inside him. It’s time to break out all the prayers. Call whomever you can and get them praying, too.”
I responded, “Doc, we’ve got hundreds praying for this boy and his family. I’ve got hope God will help. When I pray, that’s how I feel anyway.” The doctor left the room after shaking my hand. I could see a frown and some fear on his face. This young boy was very sick, and the doctors couldn’t stop the virus that was waging war in his body.
Psalm 30 was written by David to extol the power of God to come through for the faithful. It was written about a time when David’s health was failing, and his hope was flagging. David “cried to the Lord for help” (Psalm 30:2). He really thought he might die (Psalm 30:9). God came through. God healed David and helped him to recover. In response, David penned the words in our scripture for today. He boldly claimed how God had “turned his wailing into dancing”. God had removed David’s “sackcloth” in which he suffered (Psalm 30:11). David’s response to God’s help was passionate. David wanted to “sing God’s praises and not be silent” (Psalm 30:12). David wanted to “praise God forever”.
I have witnessed many people who were healed while the doctors remained baffled. I have witnessed people whose lives were changed completely by God’s intervention. God brought comfort to the bereaved, hope to the hurting, peace to the damaged soul, help to the lonely. God came through. In response, the people sang God’s praises. They talked about God’s presence during their dark hours. Whether its depression, health issues, bad thoughts, bad habits, regrets, pain, or betrayal, God can help in great and wonderful ways. God can brighten your day. God’s healing touch can change your crying to laughter. Like David in this scripture, your life can move from thoughts of death to moments of joy.
Why do people not reach out to God for help? Why do they ignore the one who knows them heart and soul and mind? God is a great healer, hope, deliverer, and savior. There is no better source to turn than to God when you are in trouble. Though suffering from great pains and betrayal, Jesus turned to God the Father on the cross. In days, Jesus was resurrected. The tears of His hurting disciples and family were replaced with joy. The family in the story above also cried out asking God for help. The boy did recover. Actually, it was a miracle. The doctor confided to me that he couldn’t explain the change in health. I knew who made the change. I know who helped.
For weeks after the boy from the hospital came home, people heard his story about God’s intervention. The parents were convinced that God had a hand it the healing. The virus died suddenly and disappeared from the boy. Though every medicine given to the boy failed to work, the boy was healed two days after the doctor said to me that “we need extra prayers on this one.” The doctor just shook his head in amazement at the changes. The boy has never gone back to the hospital for that condition since.
When things look bleak, don’t hesitate to turn to the Holy One who can help. Put your trust in God’s grace. Don’t hold back. Just don’t be surprised when God does help or heal or bring you through.
There are situations where God withholds healing for unknown reasons. In heaven, we’ll find out why. However, God helps people far more than you even know. Many times, people call a miracle coincidence, give credit to a doctor or medicine, or cite luck in the process. Don’t be so naïve. You and I both know that God has a hand in a lot more than humans ever give HIM credit. David, in Psalm 30, was giving credit where credit was due. God was the one who healed him. God was the one who helped, when nothing else could.