June 27, 2024

Life Is Short.

Psalm 39

Natalie Cox
Thursday's Devo

June 27, 2024

Thursday's Devo

June 27, 2024

Thursday's Devo

June 27, 2024

Thursday's Devo

June 27, 2024

Big Book Idea

Thinking and feeling God's way.

Key Verse | Psalm 39:4-5

"O LORD, make me know my end
and what is the measure of my days;
let me know how fleeting I am! 
Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,
and my lifetime is as nothing before you.
Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah"

Psalm 39

What Is the Measure of My Days?

To the choirmaster: to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.

1  I said, “I will guard my ways,
    that I may not sin with my tongue;
I will guard my mouth with a muzzle,
    so long as the wicked are in my presence.”
2  I was mute and silent;
    I held my peace to no avail,
and my distress grew worse.
3      My heart became hot within me.
As I mused, the fire burned;
    then I spoke with my tongue:

4  “O LORD, make me know my end
    and what is the measure of my days;
    let me know how fleeting I am!
5  Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,
    and my lifetime is as nothing before you.
Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah
6      Surely a man goes about as a shadow!
Surely for nothing 1 39:6 Hebrew Surely as a breath they are in turmoil;
    man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!

7  And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?
    My hope is in you.
8  Deliver me from all my transgressions.
    Do not make me the scorn of the fool!
9  I am mute; I do not open my mouth,
    for it is you who have done it.
10  Remove your stroke from me;
    I am spent by the hostility of your hand.
11  When you discipline a man
    with rebukes for sin,
you consume like a moth what is dear to him;
    surely all mankind is a mere breath! Selah

12  Hear my prayer, O LORD,
    and give ear to my cry;
    hold not your peace at my tears!
For I am a sojourner with you,
    a guest, like all my fathers.
13  Look away from me, that I may smile again,
    before I depart and am no more!”

Footnotes

[1] 39:6 Hebrew Surely as a breath
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms

Introduction to The Psalms

Timeline

Author and Date

Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.

Key Themes

The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:

  1. Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
  2. Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
  3. Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
  4. Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
  5. Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.

Types of Psalms

The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:

Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.

Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.

Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.

Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).

Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).

Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).

Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).

Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).

Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).

Structure

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
The Global Message of The Psalms

The Global Message of The Psalms

The Psalms are a resounding call for all God’s people and for all the world to sing! We are called to sing songs of confession and trust in God; to sing songs of thanksgiving and praise. The Psalms summon the global church to take up the cause of calling the world to join in such global and eternal songs of trust in, delight in, and worship of God for his magnificence—especially his magnificence displayed in his saving mercy.

Songs of Honest Lament

There is a surprising degree of honesty found in the prayers and songs of the Psalms. We find honest lament to God, with frequent repetition of questions such as “Why?” and “How long?” The psalmist asks in Psalm 42:9, “Why have you forgotten me?” Another psalm wonders, “Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (10:1; see also 88:14). “How long, O LORD?” is a frequent cry to God in the Psalms (see 6:3; 13:1; 79:5; 89:46).

Such prayers flow from desperately challenging situations, in which life feels overwhelming. Yet they also reflect the confident expectations of our honest cries to our compassionate and faithful God. The Lord invites his people worldwide to be boldly transparent before him—no masks, no pretense—even when the heart is breaking. He promises never to abandon those who belong to him.

Songs of Repentance and Trust

Songs of repentance are scattered throughout the Psalms. In such songs there are confessions of corporate sin—“Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness” (Ps. 106:6)—and individual songs of penitence (Psalms 6; 25; 32; 38; 51; 130; 143). These are not hopeless laments, but cries to a God who is a gracious deliverer (6:4), who deals with us according to his great love and mercy (51:1), and whose forgiveness flows from his goodness and not ours (130:3–4).

There is abundant reason to trust such a God for every good thing and in every situation (Psalm 23). To such a God we turn in times of great trouble, when we are at an utter loss in this fallen world. When enemies surround us and there is no one to help, God is our hope for deliverance (Psalm 22). Whether the desperate individual (Psalm 13) or the destitute community (Psalm 12) is in view, God is faithful to his promises. His steadfast love endures. He is worthy of our songs!

Songs of Thanksgiving and Praise

The Psalms are a divinely orchestrated hymnbook of thanksgiving and praise for God’s people. The covenant people of God return thanks to God for his wonderful deeds of deliverance, justice, and defense (Psalm 9), and for his favor and mercies (30:5, 7, 8, 10). All of this moves his people to burst into songs of joy and glad dancing (30:11–12).

In the Psalms, the people of God rejoice in all that God is and all that he has done. These songs of praise exalt God for his unsearchable greatness, his glorious splendor, and his awesome deeds (Ps. 145:3–6). He is worshiped as the King over all creation (93:1),the eternal King (10:16), the King of glory (24:8, 10), the King of all the earth (47:7), and the great King above all gods (95:3).

The Global Message of the Psalms

For all God’s people. The global message of the Psalms is that in light of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness there is a song to be sung by all God’s people everywhere—whatever their circumstances, whatever their emotions, whatever their adversity. The song to be sung will be of varied themes: lament, confession, repentance, thanksgiving, or praise to God. All of these, however, are songs of worship, expressing the universal experiences of God’s people. This is worship of God by the individual and the community, local and global, young and old (Ps. 148:12), now and forever (89:52). For a lost world filled with rebellion and sorrow, there is no greater remedy than a song that brings those who sing it to take refuge in God himself: a song for the oppressed, the hungry, the prisoner, the sojourner, the widow, and the fatherless (146:7–9).

A new song. The message of the Psalms is a call to the whole world to “Sing a new song!” “Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!” (Ps. 96:1). This is not a song of empty promises, but a song full of hope, a song exulting in the salvation of a covenant keeping and merciful God; not a song that fades, but an enduring, eternal song; a song of a God who lifts us out of mud and mire (69:2, 14).

Celebrating salvation. The book of Psalms opens with a picture of the two ways of life—the blessed and fruitful life of the one who delights in God, and the fleeting life of the wicked who (apart from God) stand condemned (Psalm 1). The world is called to set aside folly and to join in the life and song of the Redeemer, celebrating the salvation that is rooted in the sacrifice of the Savior (Psalm 22). This new song has been sung down through the ages; it continues today throughout the world; and it will one day be sung in the very throne room of God (Rev. 14:3).

Summoning the Nations

To the ends of the earth. The global church has a message for the world: join in this song! It is a celebration that will generate further praise—globally, generationally, and eternally. The church is to “declare his glory among the nations!” (Ps. 96:3). From Israel to the Christian church today to the global kingdom that will one day be known to the very ends of the earth, the redeemed of the Lord will come from every nation, tribe, people, and language, giving God thanks and celebrating his grace (Rev. 7:9).

For all nations. There is a message for the nations: “Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” (Ps. 117:1). The Lord humbles the nations (9:5, 19, 20), but he extends to all an offer of mercy and grace. One day, the nations will become Christ’s inheritance (2:8). This song begins with us but it must not end with us. There is a glorious globalization of the worship of God that we are privileged to help advance. In Christ we have found fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (16:11). In turn we call the nations as well to be glad and sing for joy in him (67:4).

Fulfilled in Jesus. The love and mercy of God that forms the heart of the Psalms explodes onto history with the coming of Christ. It is in and through him that believers worldwide see God’s covenant faithfulness right before their eyes.

Spreading God’s glory. That glorious, global worship of God through Jesus Christ is not yet fully known or complete. Generating it is therefore our glad mission while on this earth. We will not rest till God’s glorious name is blessed forever and the whole earth is filled with his glory (Ps. 72:19).

Psalms Fact #3: How are the Psalms divided?

Fact: How are the Psalms divided?

How are the Psalms divided? The Psalms are divided into five books: 1–41; 42–72; 73–89; 90–106; 107–150. Each book ends with a “doxology,” a hymn of praise to God.

Psalms Fact #4: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.

Psalms Fact #6: What is a psalm of lament?

Fact: What is a psalm of lament?

What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.

Psalms Fact #7: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

Fact: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

How many of the Psalms were written by David? David is the author of about half of the Psalms. Other authors include Asaph, Solomon, Moses, and the sons of Korah.

Psalms Fact #9: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.

Psalms Fact #10: Are the Psalms poetry?

Fact: Are the Psalms poetry?

Are the Psalms poetry? The Psalms often reflect the feelings or emotions of the person who wrote the psalm. The book of Psalms includes poetry that covers all kinds of emotional feelings and experiences, from anguish and sorrow to great joy and thanksgiving.

Psalms Fact #12: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

Fact: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

How often does the NT quote from the Psalms? Of all the OT books, the Psalms and Isaiah are by far the two most widely quoted in the NT.

Psalms Fact #13: Selah

Fact: Selah

What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.

Psalms Fact #20: Snares

Fact: Snares

Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.

Psalms Fact #27: A helpful guide

Fact: A helpful guide

A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.

Psalms Fact #28: Memorizing the Psalms

Fact: Memorizing the Psalms

Memorizing the Psalms. The poetic style of the Psalms make them easy to memorize. Throughout the centuries, many believers have memorized all 150 Psalms.

Psalms Fact #40: How long?

Fact: How long?

How long? This question (79:5) occurs nearly twenty times in the Psalms, more than any other question. It is almost always associated with a psalm of lament, such as Psalm 79.

Psalms Fact #21: How long is a handbreadth?

Fact: How long is a handbreadth?

How long is a handbreadth? A handbreadth (39:5) was considered to be the width of the four fingers on one hand, or roughly 4 inches (10 cm).

Structure of Psalms

Structure of Psalms

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Ps. 39:1–3 The singer is probably concerned with what he might say aloud in his suffering before the wicked, perhaps blaming God. But he knows he must say something, and worship is the way to do it.

Study Notes
Psalms Fact #21: How long is a handbreadth?

Fact: How long is a handbreadth?

How long is a handbreadth? A handbreadth (39:5) was considered to be the width of the four fingers on one hand, or roughly 4 inches (10 cm).

Study Notes

Ps. 39:4–6 To really understand how brief life is would protect the singer from wasting his life in pursuing wealth.

Study Notes

Psalm Ps. 39. This psalm allows those who are suffering to express their confusion to God. The circumstances of the suffering are left vague, although there is acknowledgment of sin (vv. 8, 11). Suffering is a reminder of how fleeting human life is.

Ps. 39:7–13 The singer asks God to deliver him from all his transgressions, thus admitting that he deserves God’s rebukes for sin. Look away (v. 13) asks God to turn away his angry gaze.

S3:125 Psalm 39

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Psalm 39

Have you ever felt so angry, hopeless, or frustrated that you opened your mouth to vent to someone else and ultimately made matters worse? Just me?

In Psalm 39, David is venting, but he's venting to the Lord. Because of committing an unnamed sin, David is experiencing God's discipline, and the pain from it leaves him bubbling over (Psalm 39:2-3a). Rather than choosing to complain about it to others and sinning further, he does what a mature believer should do: he takes up the matter with God, and he vents to Him.

Through his venting, David moves from feelings of despair and hopelessness to truth taking over. He says, "O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! . . . Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath!" (Psalm 39:4-5). He reminds himself that his time on earth is "fleeting." Now, this would be incredibly depressing if all that we could hope for was found only in this life, but the psalm continues as David says to God, "My hope is in you."

David's profession of hope should be the answer for all of us. As children of God, we find in Him hope and meaning when life feels painful and meaningless. There is purpose in the pain of discipline. It points us to a bigger reality that this world and our lives are broken and temporary, which means a season of pain that was temporary for David will be temporary for us, too. 

There is also something to be learned from experiencing the consequences of our sin. It redirects and aligns us with God. Because we are all "sojourner(s) with [God]" (Psalm 39:12), we, like David, can shift our despairing perspective to one of repentance, wisdom, and hope.

Lastly, the sweetest part of this psalm is David asking God to let him smile again (Psalm 39:13). While we are promised to experience the brokenness of this world (John 16:33), we can smile because God has promised to redeem it all (2 Corinthians 5:19).

This month's memory verse

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

– Matthew 28:18-20

Discussion Questions

1. Have you ever experienced God's discipline? Looking back on that time in relation to this text, would you handle your response to God's discipline differently today?

2. What temporary things are you tempted to chase over things with eternal value? How has that ended up?

3. Are there any situations in your life when you are tempted to lose hope? Instead of allowing despair to take over, how can you see God working through it?

4. How can you choose joy over hopelessness today, even amid hard circumstances?

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MS

Michael Scaman

There is some musical drama here. It makes for a dramatic song near the end of book 1 and concerns the brevity of life. This is to the choirmaster so let's embrace the music. How should it sound? - Life is short. A few inches of time, a handbreadth. Short melodies with bursts of staccato notes? - My heart overheated then my mouth overheated. Bursts of sounds going slightly off key? - It feels vain for some and the psalm laments “Surely for nothing they are in turmoil;”. Very off key like some 60's music experimenting with strange transitions and chords to suggest confusion and despair? - Deliver me from this vanity. The noise resolves to a more hopeful music plays slower and more confidently in creasing in volume. - Look away from me, that I may smile again, before I depart and am no more! - The music should end on a slow sad notes Deliver me from my transgressions we can all say in a sense. Jesus who was personally innocent can say the same as he took on the sins of the world in another sense. As in the rest of Psalms 38, 39, 40, 41 this is a Psalm relating to the suffering of the guilty. That is said twice: in the phrases "Deliver me from all my transgressions." and "rebukes for sin", We may come to God with some level of confusion. God looking away does not make one smile. It sounds confusing on face level almost contradictory: Hear my prayer. Look away from me, that I may smile again, before I depart and am no more!” Tim Keller said this helps show can bring out unvarnished pre-reflective and maybe sometimes incorrect ideas to God in prayer. However, if we take those same words as far as they might concern Jesus, the earth would be dark 6 hours as Jesus was forsaken as if God looked away.. But the resurrection would follow when He can smile again. The chief of the Asaph musicians mentioned by name. He will be in one Psalm in each of Books 1, 2 and 3 as Jeduthan, Psalms 39, 62 and 77. ( Some, like Charles Spurgeon, think Ethan of Psalm 88 was another way of saying Jeduthan, chief of the Asaph musicians David moved to Mt Zion when he took the historic step of moving the ark to Jerusalem 1 Chronicles 16:4-6. The choirmaster med will appear in the title of about 55 Psalms. Asaph will have 12 Psalms as a group. )
GJ

greg jones

Have you ever felt so angry, hopeless, or frustrated that you opened your mouth to vent to someone else and ultimately made matters worse? Just me? I have no idea of what you are even talking about…:-) Good morning Natalie great deeper dive this morning. Trust me I get where you’re coming from. For me one of the things that many of the psalms continually point out is that David can be, and often is, his own worst enemy. David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die. Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the Lord, the child who is born to you shall die.”And the Lord afflicted the child that Uriah's wife bore to David, and he became sick. 2 Samuel 12:13-14, 15b When you discipline a man     with rebukes for sin, you consume like a moth what is dear to him;     surely all mankind is a mere breath! Selah Psalm 39:11 David therefore sought God on behalf of the child. And David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground. 2 Samuel 12:16 Hear my prayer, O LORD,     and give ear to my cry;     hold not your peace at my tears! Psalm 39:12a On the seventh day the child died. 2 Samuel 12:18a “O LORD, make me know my end     and what is the measure of my days;     let me know how fleeting I am! Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,     and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah Psalm 39:4-5 But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.” 2 Samuel 12:23 Look away from me, that I may smile again,     before I depart and am no more!” Psalm 39:13 Read this way the psalm tends to stain David’s golden child image. Personally I’m okay with that. I can relate to a stained image as being more authentic than the golden child image of David’s representative in the psalms. Deliver me from all my transgressions. Do not make me the scorn of the fool! Psalm 39:8 I hear this-“hey God, can we keep this Bathsheba thing on the down low? Please don’t make me suffer the scorn of fools!” Might sound a little far fetched but I think the mind set could apply to a local situation today. I have an opinion, if we didn’t sugar coat the Bible so much we might produce a few more Nathan’s. Nathan: “Nevertheless, because by this deed [you have utterly scorned the Lord]. the child who is born to you shall die.” 2 Samuel 12:14 David: Deliver me from all my transgressions. [Do not make me the scorn of the fool]! Psalm 39:8 In many circles people who operate with a mind set like David’s tend to get elevated and protected. And people like Cindy Clemishire remain silent because “do not make me the scorn of the fool” is a real threat, especially when it’s attached to a transgression of another. “Have you ever felt so angry, hopeless, or frustrated that you opened your mouth to vent to someone else and ultimately made matters worse? Just me?” Maybe we’re just inadvertently teaching ourselves that opening our mouths make matters worse. There are plenty of spaces out there that will substantiate that thought.
SF

Shawn Foster

“As children of God, we find in Him hope and meaning when life feels painful and meaningless. There is purpose in the pain of discipline. It points us to a bigger reality that this world and our lives are broken and temporary, which means a season of pain that was temporary for David will be temporary for us, too.” Soo encouraging! Thank you Natalie- for this outstanding devotional. “As for me, I will always have hope, I will praise you (God) more and more…”. Psalm 71:14 Is one of my favorites. In light of where we’ve been and where we are going - we should cling to Christ, refusing to worry. I am very grateful we are on this journey reading the Bible together. Hagwow
SB

Sue Bohlin

super devo, Natalie, thank you! When David asked God to let him smile again, I was reminded of the first weeks after my tongue cancer surgery. When friends at church asked my husband how I was doing, he told them, sadly, "I haven't seen her smile in days" . . . which was the fist time that had happened in 49 years together. I am so grateful those days are behind me! But I don't know how many days are BEFORE me. So I am praying this verse: " “O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!"
JC

Jason Cromwell

And we wonder where Solomon got it from? This seems more something out of Ecclesiastes than the Psalms. I love the fact we can take our worries and troubles directly to God and don't have to go through someone else (no slight at some of our fellow Christians). I often find myself running to God these days rather than to others, and that is both a good thing and a bad thing.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. I experience God’s discipline when I do something and didn’t listen to Him. I believe it is because God wants me to learn and do what is right. No, God deserves respect in everything. 2. Purchasing what is available in a store versus bringing a list or being prepared and praying before I shop have been temptations I have experienced. As a result, some purchases ended up good and some purchases ended up things I should have resisted. 3. There are no current situations. Having knowledge and awareness of God and His values from studying the Bible and from listening to sermons when I was hopeful has me thinking positive in everything in life. God is almighty, all knowing, and loves everyone. God is alive in each of us always encouraging each of us to produce the best results. 4. I can choose joy over hopelessness because I value God as a result of learning from reading the Bible and from listening to sermons. Thus, when I am hopeless I resort to God and become hopeful in everything I do. Natalie - Thank you for sharing your ideas. I agree with you, “Lastly, the sweetest part of this psalm is David asking God to let him smile again (Psalm 39:13). While we are promised to experience the brokenness of this world (John 16:33), we can smile because God has promised to redeem it all (2 Corinthians 5:19)’. Beautiful!