Background to Psalms 30

This is a strange superscription/introduction to psalm 30 because King David doesn't actually see the temple built in his lifetime. He does gather the materials for the temple and desires to build it. If you would like some possible ways this tension is resolved click here.

"Psalm 30 is a poetic testimony. Giving testimony or bearing witness is an old tradition in Christian communities. Such words powerfully seek to draw listeners into the experience of thanksgiving so that God's providence is not limited to the speaker, but becomes part of the life of the congregation. The poetry of Psalm 30 thus becomes a compelling way to express faith in terms of prayer and thanksgiving. Walter Brueggemann has proposed reading the Psalms in a cycle of orientation, disorientation, and new orientation.2  The narrative of Psalm 30 illustrates that cycle. Confidence in human achievement reflected the old orientation that gave way to trouble and disorientation. A new orientation of gratitude is found in divine deliverance and the psalmist's thankful response." taken from Bellinger's blog.

Testify or talk to someone about how God has answered your prayer.