Frail
Opening Prayer
Reflect upon your own limitations as you approach God in prayer today. Thank him for his never-failing power and love.
Read Psalm 39:1-13
[1] For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David. 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.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION
Reflect
What seems to be at the heart of the psalmist's concern?Life is fragile. The psalmist sings here not only of his sorrow, sin and suffering but also of how fleeting and frail human existence is (4-6). Human frailty can be frightening. The knowledge that our lives are so short and small in the grand scheme of things is unsettling at the least. Knowing that at any time disaster, illness, sorrow or death can interrupt and change everything in a moment can paralyze us with fear. So, to deal with the fear we can become preoccupied with not thinking those things; with making life comfortable and secure. We spend money and energy on “treasures on earth” (Matt. 6:19) trying to forget that we are “but a breath” (5,11), and trying to hold on tight to everyone and everything that we love. However, v. 7 brings the clarity and perspective of truth to our fears. God is our hope. In changing times and shifting fortunes, through uncertainty and difficulty, God, alone, is faithful and true. God, alone, is trustworthy and strong; God, alone, is our security and our unfailing love. Only in God can we find all we need for whatever lies before us, and for all eternity.
Apply
Meditate for a moment on v. 7. How could it transform the way you will pray today and in the future?
Closing prayer
Everlasting Lord God, may it be always true that my hope is in You first and foremost.
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