Psalm 39

 


Psalm 39 is written by David for the Chief Musician.  Jeduthun, in the subtitle, was a Levite as seen in 1 Chronicles 9:16 and was likely a worship leader.  In this psalm, David vows to be silent through what he is suffering.  Yet when he could no longer stay silent, he cries out in prayer to the LORD.  He asks for perspective in light of how fleeting life is, and through his reflections, he recognizes that his hope should really be in the eternal God.  He sees that his suffering is due to the LORD's discipline and rebuke for sin.  Since this world is not his home, his closing prayer is that his relationship with God will be restored before he departs from this world for his home in heaven.

Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm:

  • Verses 1-3
    • As he was going through suffering, David was afraid he might say something he shouldn't; so, he chose not to say anything at all, bad or good.  Why is it beneficial to guard my tongue?
    • Set apart some time in your schedule to practice the spiritual discipline of silence.
  • Verses 4-11
    • When he could no longer stay silent, David asks God for perspective on life.  How does knowing that life on earth is fleeting and temporary affect my perspective?
  • Verses 12-13
    • Hebrews 11:13-16 says that faithful saints were strangers on earth, desiring "a better country, that is, a heavenly one."  When faced with suffering and the brevity of life, what effect does it have on us to know that this world is not our home?

If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video:

  • "How Brief My Life" (Psalm 39) by Randy Gordon:  Link

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Psalm 149

Image
  Psalm 149 is part of the Final Hallel section (146-150), providing a doxology to the Book of Psalms.  These praise psalms begin and end with "Praise the LORD!" or "Hallelujah!"  This psalm is likely a victory song of praise from God's People to their King for deliverance but also judgment against their enemies. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-5 God's people are called to praise Him no matter where we are, together in assembly (v. 1) as well as alone in our beds (v. 5).  What do these verses teach us about praising the LORD? The last part of verse 4 may be translated "crowns the humble with victory," "adorns the afflicted with salvation," "beautifies the meek with salvation," "glorifies the lowly with salvation," or "exalts the oppressed by delivering them."  C.H. Spurgeon says that each "gives a new shade of meaning, well worthy
Read more

Psalm 120

Image
  Psalm 120 is the first in the Songs of Ascents series (Psalms 120-134). These songs were likely sung during the three annual festival processions to Jerusalem (Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles). The Feasts may typically be associated with joy, celebration, and worship, however in Psalm 120, the psalmist is crying out to the LORD in distress.  He is facing lies and deceit, such as from those in the foreign lands around him who hate peace. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-4 Why would it be better to turn to the LORD when facing "lying lips" and "a deceitful tongue"? Verses 5-7 What can we do when we live "among those who hate peace"? If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video: "I Cry Unto the Lord" (Psalm 120) by Timeless Vocal Tapestry: Link
Read more

Psalm 142

Image
  Psalm 142 is in the last set of those attributed to David (138-145). This is a cave psalm (like Psalm 57), likely when David was fleeing from Saul and hid in a cave when his life was in danger. Thus, this is a prayer, crying out to the LORD for deliverance. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-2 What are some troubles that drive me to cry out to the LORD? Verses 3-7 When we feel overwhelmed, afraid, and alone, how is God our refuge, portion, deliverer? If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video: "Psalm 142" by Calvary Westlake:  Link
Read more