Psalm 30  The "Preacher" wrote in Ecclesiastes 3 "There is an appointed time for everything."  In verse 4 he wrote.. "A time to mourn and a time to dance."  This psalm takes us to that point in David's life.  

Twice he mentions this here.. v5 "For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning."  and v11 " Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing." 

David's life .. like our own.. was filled with ups and downs. We all have faced times when we have felt great sorrow.. loss of loved ones, loss of dreams, loss of hope.  We have mourned and wept.  But, we have also found that we can turn our eyes to Jesus.. and find help.  That is how David returned to such great joy that he could dance! He looked up and worshipped!  His change in posture preceded his change in circumstances... 

"Sing praise to the Lord, you His godly ones, and give thanks to His holy name."  (v4)  Psalm 100:4 tells us "Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise."  In the ancient tabernacle the worshiper would bring his sacrifices and offerings to the wide gate where the priests would receive them and bless the people.  In the courtyard stood the bronze altar where the sacrifices would be offered and the bronze laver where the priests would cleanse themselves before entering the tabernacle itself.. the place of God's presence.  The psalmists are teaching us how to  come into God's Presence.. with praises and thanksgiving. 

 How often we rush into prayer with our needs and requests.. instead of taking care to align our souls with the One who said, " I am the gate ( door); if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved.. " John 10:9    Jesus taught his disciples to pray, "Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name."  We come to Him in awareness of Who He is ( Our Father - the One who called us and has adopted us through the sacrifice of His Son) where He is( in the great glory of Heavens courts, seated on the throne!).. and we "hallow" honor and revere His holy Name...for He is worthy!

We come to You , our Lord, our gracious and loving Savior, with praise on our lips. We join with David, extolling You, exalting Your Holy Name.. for You have lifted us up from sin and death and despair.  You have set our feet on the Solid Ground.  You have turned our mourning to dancing.  You have made us Your own by the blood of Christ who died for us.  May our souls sing praise and not be silent.  We give You our thanks, offering it with hearts of surrender and obedience, for You have opened the way for us to enter into Your Presence.  Hallelujah! Amen.