DANGER – PRAYER AT WORK!

We aren’t told why David is burning with “anguish” (2), but he is clearly frustrated and feeling very low. He believes that the Lord is disciplining him, presumably for some unspecified transgression (8–11). His natural inclination is to complain loudly, but he recognizes the folly of letting it all out in front of non-believers (1, “the wicked”). So he resolves to suffer in silence. Under the Lord’s discipline, he is learning one of life’s hardest lessons—to control his tongue (Jas. 3:3–11; Eccles. 5:2).

He does not, however, allow his frustrations to prevent him from speaking to God. When suffering and hardships come to us, we are always presented with a choice: to turn away angrily from God in self-pity or towards him in prayer. David wisely voices the depths of his despair in this eloquent, pleading, honest prayer. Gradually his prayer does its work, giving David access to the Lord’s transforming grace. David’s perspective begins to change. He decides to focus on the Lord rather than dwell on life’s troubles (7). His faith slowly revives, producing a recognition that this earth is not his permanent home (12). His prayer becomes (slightly!) more positive as he seeks deliverance from sin, relief from discipline and renewed joy (8–13). Yet David’s hope remains subdued and limited (13). His philosophy here is very similar to that of Ecclesiastes: life is “fleeting”; all human activity is “in vain” (4–6; cf. Eccles. 2:11; 6:12). It becomes quite evident that he lacks the fuller New Testament revelation which we are privileged to have. It is much harder for him to be “joyful in hope” than it is for us (cf. Rom. 12:12); he cannot experience all the benefits of being “in Christ.” He cannot fully know the “endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 1:3).

Consider how you use your tongue and pray accordingly. Thank the Lord for his loving discipline, submit yourself to it, and praise him for our hope in Christ.