Day 39 of Searching the Psalms

Please share your thoughts in the comments below each day so that we can

learn and grow together as we seek to know God and live justly.

Psalm 39 (NIV)

1 I said, “I will watch my ways

and keep my tongue from sin;

I will put a muzzle on my mouth

while in the presence of the wicked.”

2 So I remained utterly silent,

not even saying anything good.

But my anguish increased;

3 my heart grew hot within me.

While I meditated, the fire burned;

then I spoke with my tongue:

4 “Show me, Lord, my life’s end

and the number of my days;

let me know how fleeting my life is.

5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth;

the span of my years is as nothing before you.

Everyone is but a breath,

even those who seem secure.

6 “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom;

in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth

without knowing whose it will finally be.

7 “But now, Lord, what do I look for?

My hope is in you.

8 Save me from all my transgressions;

do not make me the scorn of fools.

9 I was silent; I would not open my mouth,

for you are the one who has done this.

10 Remove your scourge from me;

I am overcome by the blow of your hand.

11 When you rebuke and discipline anyone for their sin,

you consume their wealth like a moth—

surely everyone is but a breath.

12 “Hear my prayer, Lord,

listen to my cry for help;

do not be deaf to my weeping.

I dwell with you as a foreigner,

a stranger, as all my ancestors were.

13 Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again

before I depart and am no more.”