From Mark Booker
Psalm 29: Glory and strength (v1) are attributes of kings. This psalm celebrates the kingship of Yahweh, Israel's God. "Yahweh (usually translated LORD in English Bibles) sits enthroned as king forever" (v10). Our God is king over all creation and over all nations. And he gives of his strength and peace to us (v11). That's great news. The great king is a giving king. We see the extent of his gift in the sending of his son (John 3.16).
This psalm, with its celebratory and exuberant tone, lifts our eyes up to the greatness of our God. In any circumstances, the psalm reassures us by fixing our eyes on God - not our circumstances, not our shortcomings, not our failures, etc.
Psalm 30: "For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime" (v5). This insight about the God who delivers resonates with Yahweh's self-revelation in Exodus 34.6. Yahweh is "a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness." Yes he punishes and judges and he responds in (holy and righteous) anger to sin and unfaithfulness, but the extreme bias within his character is mercy, forgiveness, and grace. The psalmist knows this. He knows that his life depends upon this nature of God as the gracious and merciful helper (v10). That leads him - and it is to lead us as well - to give thanks to God forever (v12). Thankfulness is a way of life for those whom God has rescued (see Colossians 3.15-17).
Deuteronomy 4.1-14. Listen to tomorrow's sermon.