Life is short. In the big scheme of history, the seventy, eighty years of a person is mere dust. In light of eternity, it is almost invisible. For this perspective, David constructed this psalm to plead with God to forgive him.
Commentary:
Psalm 39:1-2. The psalmist had a self-imposed gag order. He would say nothing in front of good people or wicked folks. His emotional pain was stirred up, which is what the phrase “my sorrow grew worse” means.
Psalm 39:3. In keeping silent, David was actively thinking or meditating. He likely was aggravated by some pain, likely as a result of sin (v. 8), which led to some painful events in life (v. 10). The process of meditation soon became consuming and compelled him to call out to God for the meaning of life.
Psalm 39:5-6. David’s request was quickly answered by God. He recognized that life was merely a moment and was worthless in light of eternity. Any epic accomplishment or a colossal fortune achieved by men is temporary.
Psalm 39:7. In light of that, the pursuit of men should be God. He is forever, while we are only moment. He is infinite, and we are limited. He is our hope in the recognition of our worthlessness.
Psalm 39:8-10: David’s sorrow was likely caused by the discipline from God as a result from sin. That was why he kept silent. He petitioned was that God would take away his reproach before unbelieving men, which was what the word foolish means. David was concern that he would become a disgrace to God.
Undoubtedly all sins committed by God’s people are a disgrace to God. Essentially, sinning means that the grace of God was exchanged with and cheapened by lust. Grace is the essence in the identity of God’s people. In the absence of grace, there is no acceptance because none is good enough for God’s standard. In light of this, how can we throw away the most precious part of our identity in exchange of some despicable, inferior, and momentary thrills? Therefore, Christians should have tremendous pain for even sins only committed in thought. But sins that have become public are more than a private, personal pain. It brings shame to the name of our Lord. The foolish would mock our Lord for our foolishness. The name of our Lord suffers because of our indiscretion. This is unfair to our Savior. The name of our glorious Lord should be upmost in our consideration.
David was also concern that he would die. God’s discipline was severe. As a result of God’s discipline, he was without strength and was near death (Psalm 38).
Psalm 39:12-13. The word stranger in v. 12 should read sojourner, signifying the shortness of his life on earth. Because his life was fleeting, David wanted God to remove his transgression and the consequence. For the same reason, David wanted God to look past his sins. The phrase “turn Your gaze away from me” was David’s petition for God to not look so intently on his wrongs.
In the Old Testament age, the concept of the coming Savior was still a mystery. Now in the New Testament age, we know Jesus has come to redeem us from sins. Believers are now covered by the blood of Jesus and should no longer be fearful of the gaze of God. The Heavenly Father looks at us and loves us like He loves His Son because we are all clothed with Christ (Gal 3:27).
Meditation:
Placing God first is the fundamental part of Christian walk. Because the duration of life is short, we should make this life count. Whatever we need to do, it is only momentary. If we suffer for God, the pain will be short. If we work tirelessly for our Lord, the duration will be fleeting. If we build up the body of Christ through undivided devotion, the attention span is short. Our opportunity to serve the Lord is fleeting.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, we pray that we see the fleeting nature of our life. Help us to have that undivided devotion to you, because your name is worthy to be praised. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.