Passage Read: Psalm 39-42
Meditation Verses: 39:1-4
Thought
In the presence of the wicked, David chooses to be silent so that he will not sin with his mouth. Is he afraid of going too far in his anger at their sin? Instead of rebuking them, he asks God to make him know the end of his ways, make him know how short his life is. He asked for deliverance from his own sin and acknowledged that God chastens a man for his sin and consumes all his precious things. It is as if David himself is under judgment and pleads for relief from the discipline of God for a short time that he might have a little joy in the few days that remain to him. Did he speak all these things in the hearing of the wicked? Was this his rebuke to them? Using himself as an example to warn them of the shortness of their lives, the judgment they experience, and the greater judgment coming? Or did the wickedness of these people and the anger rising up in him become a warning to him. Did he see himself in them and did it become a warning to him. He too has his sins for which God disciplines him regularly. It can be overwhelming to the man who cares. His life is too short to waste on evil things and the suffering that God brings because of our sin. Best to always seek the Lord and please Him, but when sin seems to rule a life, perhaps the Lord would be willing to give a little more grace, turn away and let him pass his remaining few days in peace, pretending everything is okay and experiencing a little joy?
Application
Instead of prompting David to rebuke the wicked, standing in their presence prompts David to reflect on the shortness of his life. His heart burns, presumably against their evil deeds and their evil mindset, but he ends up wishing for a little relief from the discipline he endures. Is he jealous of the apparent freedom from fear that the wicked enjoys? Is he jealous of the joy they have as they go on their evil way, ignorant of or denying the judgment of God? Is he angry that they seem to suffer no discipline, but his life seems full of it? That I can understand. Sometimes it seems the favor of God brings more grief rather than joy. The love of God comes with higher expectations. And even though He gives more grace, it can seem harder to be chosen by God than ignored by Him. There are times I could wish for a little relief from His testing and training. So it is good to know that this life will not last forever. There will be an end, and I need to persevere to the end. He does faithfully discipline and remove all things I value, so that I value Him most. But I need to be careful not to grow weary and betray Him or the work that He seeks to accomplish in me. How tragic it would be to be a Judas, having received God's personal attention and training, only to throw it all away at the last. How many have abandoned the Lord because the call seemed too high, too costly? Better to give up all things here and gain eternity with Him than turn away from eternity for a few years of indulging in worldly pleasures. I too can be tempted by the carelessness and joys of those who know nothing and care nothing of the things of God. How happy and easy their lives seem! But their end is destruction. And it is not all that far off for any of us. I need to endure the yoke now while I am young, so that I can enjoy the fruit of its training for endless generations to come. I must not grow weary and lose heart, but keep seeking and serving the Lord, no matter the cost.