Summer in the Psalms, Part 9

In times of tragedy, it can seem that God is distant and silent leaving us feeling a deep soul ache. Psalm 39 is a lament where David seeks understanding and hope from God amidst feelings of distance. He encourages believers to turn to God first, gain His perspective, and humbly ask for grace and mercy in times of internal struggle.

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Psalm 39:1
I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin;”

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James 3:5-8
The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

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Psalm 39:1
I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked.”

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Psalm 39:2-3
So, I remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good. But my anguish increased; my heart grew hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:

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Psalm 39:4
“Show me, Lord…

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1. You and I break our silence first with Jesus.

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Psalm 139:1-4
You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.

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2. You and I seek to understand life from His perspective.

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Psalm 39:4-6
“Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure. “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be.

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James 4:13-14
Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

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Psalm 39:7
“But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.”

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Psalm 146:3-5
Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God.

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3. You and I submit ourselves to Him, asking for His grace and mercy.

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Psalm 39:8-11
Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools. I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this. Remove your scourge from me; I am overcome by the blow of your hand. When you rebuke and discipline anyone for their sin, you consume their wealth like a moth— surely everyone is but a breath.

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Psalm 39:12-13
“Hear my prayer, Lord, listen to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. I dwell with you as a foreigner, a stranger, as all my ancestors were. Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again before I depart and am no more.”

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