Life is Short, Hope in God
In Psalm 39 we have a prayer of David that seeks to understand why he is going through intense trouble (39:4). David’s prayer challenges believers to examine where their trust and hope really lie.
He begins by refusing to defame God’s name to others by complaining about his circumstances.. Even as David pondered his situation and refused to complain, his troubles got worse (39:1-3). Brethren, when times are hard and your situation is perplexing, you must resist the temptation to complain against God.
David’s heart ached within him, and finally, he called out to God for help (39:4). In his trials he was reminded of an important truth: the lives of men are short upon this earth (39:5-6). Men make a big to do about their wealth, when in reality they mean nothing eternally (39:6). Brethren, perceiving the nature of human existence the way God’s sees it gives you the proper perspective and attitude towards life.
David says that through it all he will wait and hope in God (39:7-8). He understands that God is sovereign and that it is God that has brought this hardship upon him (39:9). David knows that God is causing these trials for his good. He will use sickness and circumstances to consume that which is most precious to men to humble them (39:11). Brethren, God desires that His people hope and depend upon Him and not the things in this life. Finally, David prays for God’s grace. He asks God for His favour in the midst of his hardships (39:12-13). He has understood that he is a sojourner in this life, and prays for the joy that only God can give. Brethren, God alone is our true joy and peace.