READ: Psalm
39-41
The average Canadian will live 80 years, or 29,200
days. A 20 year old today may have about 22, 000 days left. Someone close to 40
is looking at only 14,600 days. Those in their 60’s may have less than 7,300
days left on this earth. Not all of us will live to be 80. For some the number
of days left is very, very small. Only the Lord knows the number of days we
have. Yet David teaches us to ask God to help us see the end and to consider
how short our lives are in light of eternity.
David makes a very pointed statement in verse 6 of
Psalm 39. We are rushing, busy, stressed, worried and everlastingly tired… for
what? We hustle and bustle to make this incredibly short life better, gaining
wealth and material goods and prestige. In verse 7, though, David asks God, What’s my goal in life now that I know this
life is so short? Immediately we get the answer: to make things right with
God; to have our sins forgiven.
Psalm 40 is a Psalm of praise from the pits when
nothing is going right. David talks about a slimy pit, mud and mire, troubles
without number, many sins, poverty and enemies who try to do their worst. Yet
he praises God and begs for His love, truth and mercy. He focuses his mind on
the truth of God’s many blessings. He remembers God is so much bigger than even
the worst of our troubles combined. This is why David can sing in verse 5 that
God’s wonder are uncountable! What a testimony that is – especially from the
pits! This is David’s example to us, and why he can boldly praise the Lord in
verse 16. David’s prayer in this Psalm is that we would declare the greatness
of God, and see His goodness all the time. Even when it doesn’t seem good, we
are challenged to search and find it.
Psalm 41 is sung by David out of a heart full of
pain and grief. It’s bad enough to have enemies but David’s friend betrayed
him. David confidently prays for his enemies and his friend to receive the
justice they deserve. He prays confidently because he knows God is pleased with him. How does he know that?! No still
small voice told him! Neither the wind nor the quiet. Not into his ears or
through the voice of godly counsel. David says he knew God was pleased with him
because He had preserved his life from the enemy. When we are faced with
impossible situations and God breaks through miraculously not only do we know
God did
it. We can also know this: God did it for us. No wonder he sings
praise to the Lord from everlasting to everlasting! Wouldn’t you?
JOURNALING
& PRAYER
1. How many days do you have left until you reach
heaven (or you are blessed with death)? (80 – your age = X. Take X and multiply
by 365. This will give you a rough idea.) Ask the Lord to speak to you about
how you are spending your time. Are you investing your time, energy and money
into eternal things or are you too focused on gaining wealth or prestige? Are
you preparing yourself for heaven or busying yourself with earth? If the Lord
shows you anything that might need changing, thank Him for showing you now,
while there is still time!
2. Consider a struggle you are in right now. Ask God
to show you 3-5 things you can be thankful for even in the midst of a painful
situation. Pray your thanks to Him!
3. What are some ways God has spoken to you? Ask God
to show you where in the past He has spoken to you but you didn’t notice
because it seemed “normal”. Thank Him
for speaking to you, then ask Him to tell you 2-3 things about you that He is
very pleased with. Write them down and say thank you!
