I’m guessing there are many people who are looking for joy. Psalm 30 reminds us to look back at what God has already done and rejoice. Then also look forward to the joy that is to come. This is indeed what we do during this season of Advent.

I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up and have not let my foes rejoice over me. O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me. O Lord, you have brought up my soul from Sheol; you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit. (verses 1-3, ESV)

What has God done for you? Where have you found relief?

Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. (verses 4-5, ESV)

We are not without hope. No matter how dark things may get, as God’s people we have an eternity of light for which to look forward.

As for me, I said in my prosperity, “I shall never be moved.” By your favor, O Lord, you made my mountain stand strong; you hid your face; I was dismayed. To you, O Lord, I cry, and to the Lord I plead for mercy: “What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it tell of your faithfulness? Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me! O Lord, be my helper! (verses 6-10 ESV)

When things seem to be going well, we don’t expect difficulty. However, it is often in the difficulty that we are more likely to realize our need for help and call on the Lord.

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever! (verses 11-12, ESV)

Is it the hard things that lead us to be most grateful? Would we know joy, if we weren’t familiar with sorrow? If we didn’t feel helpless, would we recognize how much God does for us?