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Psalm 39 That is life, in

Do you ever feel angry or frustrated with God? In the beginning of this Psalm, David agonizes over his circumstances, but vows to stay silent before God. In fact, he knows that if he was to be outspoken, he could say something that comes across as disloyal to God, therefore he commits to silence. In today’s culture, we often feel the need to voice our feelings and emotions, yet often what we really need is self control and self-reflection. When we live undisciplined, unfiltered lives with respect to our emotions, we often fall into sin, saying things that hurt our reputation, the reputation of others, or worse – paint an inaccurate perception of God. When David finally spoke, he spoke with wisdom. David asked God to remind him of the fragility of human life. Like the book of Ecclesiastes, David reflects on the vapor that is life, comparing his days to one of the smallest units of measurement in ancient Israel (a handbreadth = a couple of inches). We all know that relative to creation, relative to God, and relative to eternity, life is short. But truthfully, a great amount can be done in our short time, with the right focus (Jesus, after all, only lived 33 years). When I read verse 6, I see David describing many parts of my life – rushing about in vain, chasing after wealth that comes to nothing in eternity. I must remind myself that a life lived not in vain, is a life lived for the Lord. I must live with an eternal perspective, seeking Jesus, His guidance, and His grace, each and every day. Otherwise, I get off track, I get distracted, and I lose intentionality for eternity. David closes this Psalm by recognizing God as sovereign and our deliverer. David appeals to God for relief from his circumstances, knowing that it is entirely in His hands. Paul writes in Romans 7:24-25: “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” There is nothing we can do in our power to escape the brokenness of this life – that comes through Christ alone. As you go through the week, reflect on the sovereignty of God over the universe and our own personal lives. He is in full control, with a perfect plan for our life to bring glory to Himself. Do you trust Him enough to follow in complete obedience?

which desire and expectation are centered in God. Such life is of an entirely different quality from that in which desire and expectation are centered in self, in circumstances, or in men. - George Campbell Morgan