February 23, 2015 – Monday

Start Time: 6:25 AM

End Time:  7:06 AM

Title: For the Director Of Music.  For Jeduthun.  A Psalm of David.

Scripture: Psalm 39:1 – 15

God’s Message / God’s Promise / God’s Commands:

→ David wrote in this chapter his struggle with sin.  At the start of the chapter, he spoke of watching his ways and keeping his tongue from sin.  Clearly, David was human like us who had some struggle when it comes to keeping what is right.  But what I learned most in this chapter, at the first 3 verses, is that everything is a decision and a commitment.  Keeping our ways from sins or doing what is wrong, requires a decision and commitment from us.  David said, he is watching his ways and keeping his tongue from sin - this is clearly a conscious decision to keep himself from sin.  And so we ought to have the same mindset daily.  The cautious mind with the decision to keep away from sin.  David said, he remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good - which means that the struggle is for him to speak the truth, possibly in defending himself from the lies.  We knew from previous chapters that David was being attacked by gossips and rumors and lies and so most likely, David was talking about stopping himself from speaking the truth about him (defending himself) when he said that he remained utterly silent not even saying anything good.  He said that his anguish increased, so he was in pain because he cannot speak the truth.  He spoke of the fire (possibly anger) in his heart grew as he meditates.  This only portrays David as human like us.  I know we are all guilty or in the same situation as David used to be.  We are in a situation where we want so much to defend ourselves but there are times that there's no need to and we just have to trust God to fight and defend us.  This takes control and discipline. 

That's why in verse 4 - 5, David continued by asking God to show him his life's end.  To know or visualize the outcome of your decision is a great motivator to do what is right today.  David asked God to show him his life's end and the number of his days.  To remind him that life is fleeting and every decision he makes today will impact that.  David literally asked God to show him how life is fleeting and with just one breath, he can be gone.  This is to remind him that every decision he makes count and not to live life as if it has no value.

David pressed on and continued with the assurance of his hope upon the Lord.  Again, clearly, David was struggling to do what is right and he needed a reminder of the outcome of the decisions he will make then he spoke of God as his Savior and hope.  So he is strong enough to keep silent and not open his mouth because God is the one who gives him the strength to do so.  So even in the simplest thing that we all thought requires only our efforts, such as keeping silent or not fighting back, David recognize that this control he had over himself is control from the Lord Himself.  So he gave the credit to God who is in control of everything.  May we have the same perception of ourselves.  Our effort only possible because God made it possible.

David asked God to hear his prayer and listen to his cry for he knew that whatever he asked of, when God hears his cry and listen to him, God will do much better than whatever plans he had in mind.  So all he really needs is for God to listen and hear his cry.  David asked God to look away from him or more specifically, look away from his sins, so David can enjoy life again. 

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, amazing God and wonderful Savior.  Truly, You are in control of everything.  I am amazed how David sees You in his life and would want to develop the same mindset of You in me.  Lord help me to see You as the source of everything including the little things.  Such as I am able to type faster because You made it possible.  Help me to see my flaws or my "nothingness" so I may see Your greatness in me Jesus.  Help me Lord to see You in everything.  In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!