Psalm 30
Teeter-Totter Faith
In most elementary school playgrounds sits a teeter-totter. Using simple physics two people can go up and down repeatedly only requiring a minimum expression of physical energy. Something about the feeling of traveling up and down can be quite mesmerizing.
Many believers live on a teeter-totter. Today they may be experiencing the heights, “Lord my God, I cried to You for help, and You healed me. Lord, You brought me up from Sheol; You spared me from among those going down to the Pit.” (Psalm 30:2–3, HCSB). Tomorrow the same believer may cry out, “Lord, I called to You; I sought favor from my Lord: “What gain is there in my death, if I go down to the Pit? Will the dust praise You? Will it proclaim Your truth?” (Psalm 30:8–9, HCSB). Up, then down.
I have spent much time on this teeter-totter. Up now, but wait a few hours and then I’ll be down again. Certainly our adversary pushes back when we are up. ‘Is this the pattern for which God designed us? Is this the way He would choose us to live?
The title of the Psalm, “A psalm; a dedication song for the house of David” hints that these words may be David’s prayer after some grievous challenge to his faith. Sickness, family rebellion, enemies from the nations surrounding Israel – any of these could have been the cause of a sense of failure and a call for rescue.
We don’t always choose to be up or down on the teeter-totter. Circumstances beyond our control confront us regularly. The key to a successful teeter-totter is the center point. For David, and his faith descendants the pivot point is the unfailing power and presence of God. Whether up or down, God is present and able.
WINSTON COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 