Psalm 39
Today
we focus on Psalm 39: 3-6.
(3)My heart
was hot within me, While I was musing the fire burned; then I spoke with my
tongue: (4)"LORD, make me to know
my end and what is the extent of my days; let me know how transient I am. (5)Behold, You have made my days as
handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing in Your sight; surely every man at his
best is a mere breath.” Selah.
(6)"Surely every man walks about as a phantom; surely they make an uproar for nothing; He amasses riches and does not know who will gather them.
Speaking the Truth Unleashes Frustration. v.3b-6
David prays out loud. “Then I spoke with my tongue.” Talking is therapy for many an
illness. The whole word of counseling is
based on the need of individuals to share verbally the concerns and confusion
of their hearts. "I just needed to get that out" or "I just needed someone to hear me" has been the end
result and resolve of many a counseling session.
What is he afraid to
say? What could be so bad? Does it really matter? We have all carried those things within us we
are afraid to confess because of how others might react. So we remain silent
and brood. It may be that we would find all of our fears destroyed if we would
just give someone the opportunity to say the words, "I understand".
Honesty in Confession is mandatory. v.4-6
David finally blurts it
out! “God,
I’ve lost my purpose in life and I am realizing how quickly life will reach its
end! I am frustrated at the course you
have given men!” Wow, it sure
doesn’t sound like much when compared to our sin does it? We listen for hope in the confession of
others about how they were forgiven and made right with God from what they say
was a destructive sin only to find out it was only bitterness or gossip and not
adultery or alcoholism. Ours is so much
worse. Now we feel even more hopeless
and feel trapped.
Some when they come for
counsel won’t tell the real problem.
They begin with a small issue just to see how you will respond and then
unload what to them is the bombshell. If
they never unload the real problem, it is never dealt with and Satan continues
to reign.
How big was David’s
sin? Big enough to steal his peace and
bring shame to his life. The strange
thing is, GOD ALREADY KNEW HOW HE FELT and was just waiting for him to admit it
so He could help him. His dishonesty was
with himself and others, not with God.
Could it be that you are
holding something from yourself and not God?
Honesty may say, “God, I have this
problem with _________ and truthfully I don’t want to give it up right
now. Can you help?” Hey...He already knows it.
Scripture to Claim
For who among men knows the thoughts
of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except
the Spirit of God. 1 Corinthians 2:11
