Measure Our Days, Psalm 39
July 5, 2017·Jim Nelson
In this Psalm it appears that the author, David, is in a perplexing situation and he is struggling to know just how to navigate through this challenge in his life. The statement he makes as he begins, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin,” indicates that he has determined that He needs help beyond himself to find his way out of his situation. I believe it would be good for all of us to remember this advice when we are faced with perplexing situations.
In the remainder of the Psalm we see David coming to the realization that he needs the Lords help which begins with his prayer in verses 4 and 5: “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.”
In light of the rest of the text I believe David was saying – “Life is so short, why put so much time into the things that will perish, they are but a breath. I’m just a traveler passing through this world. Grant me time to get things back on course – that I might live for you with all my heart, soul and strength with all the time I have left.”
The main thrust behind these verses is the brevity of life and in order to live a life without regrets it is important to learn from this passage. Our life span here on earth is extremely short when we look at it in the context of eternity. Therefore, we desperately need God’s guidance to help us live out our short span of life in the way He has planned for us to live it.
I believe it is important to for us to regularly take inventory of our lives. Where do I spend my time, my money, and my efforts? Where am I pointing my children through the activities they are engaged in?
In the last verse of this psalm David writes, “Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again before I depart and am no more.”
I believe it would be good for all of us to diligently pray for God to help us not waste our lives in frivolous pursuits which have no eternal value. Let’s also pray for the wisdom to guide our children on the Godly path that would bring them the fulfillment that God wants them to have in their short lives.
May God help all of us remember that life is short and that we daily need His help to expend it on that which will not only give us peace and joy, but eternal life in the presence of our great God and King – Jesus Christ!
