Psalm 39 focuses on a few important themes we an apply to our lives today.
Life passes quickly. How we choose to spend it is important. Truly as we reflect, our natural tendency to strive for material wealth and accomplishment does not bring a harvest that is as lasting and important as we hope for.
We must cultivate mindfulness and a sense of urgency in how we live our lives. Focus on what truly matters, such as our relationships with others, acts of kindness, and positively impacting the world. Instead of getting consumed by temporary gains, we can strive to live a life of purpose and meaning, aware that our time here is limited.
Additionally, we should guard our speech. Especially, in the age of social media and digital interactions, the words we use can spread quickly and have a significant impact. Being mindful of our speech and using it to build others up rather than tear them down is a valuable lesson from Psalm 39 that can contribute to a more compassionate and understanding society.
The Vanity of Life.
For the choir director, for Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.
1I said, “I will guard my ways
That I may not sin with my tongue;
I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle
While the wicked are in my presence.”
2I was mute and silent,
I refrained even from good,
And my sorrow grew worse.
3My heart was hot within me,
While I was musing the fire burned;
Then I spoke with my tongue:
4“LORD, make me to know my end
And what is the extent of my days;
Let me know how transient I am.
5“Behold, You have made my days as handbreadths,
And my lifetime as nothing in Your sight;
Surely every man at his best is a mere breath.
6“Surely every man walks about as a phantom;
Surely they make an uproar for nothing;
He amasses riches and does not know who will gather them.
7“And now, Lord, for what do I wait?
My hope is in You.
8“Deliver me from all my transgressions;
Make me not the reproach of the foolish.
9“I have become mute, I do not open my mouth,
Because it is You who have done it.
10“Remove Your plague from me;
Because of the opposition of Your hand I am perishing.
11“With reproofs You chasten a man for iniquity;
You consume as a moth what is precious to him;
Surely every man is a mere breath.
12“Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry;
Do not be silent at my tears;
For I am a stranger with You,
A sojourner like all my fathers.
13“Turn Your gaze away from me, that I may smile again
Before I depart and am no more.”
Remember the brevity of life and to live with intention, mindfulness, and kindness towards others. By doing so, we can make the most of our time and leave a positive legacy behind.
Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ
Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.