Our Days Are Numbered

Psalm 39

Psalm 39
For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.
1 I said, "I will watch my ways
and keep my tongue from sin;
I will put a muzzle on my mouth
as long as the wicked are in my presence."

2 But when I was silent and still,
not even saying anything good,
my anguish increased.

3 My heart grew hot within me,
and as I meditated, the fire burned;
then I spoke with my tongue:

4 "Show me, O LORD, my life's end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.

5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man's life is but a breath.
Selah

6 Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro:
He bustles about, but only in vain;
he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.

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 You rebuke and discipline men for their sin;
you consume their wealth like a moth—
each man is but a breath.
Selah

12 "Hear my prayer, O LORD,
listen to my cry for help;
be not deaf to my weeping.
For I dwell with you as an alien,
a stranger, as all my fathers were.

13 Look away from me, that I may rejoice again
before I depart and am no more."

Bee's Thoughts:

Recently, a very successful man was sharing about how much wealth he has accumulated over the years. He owned 7 properties and many busineses at the age of only 52. But one thing he shared was that he has no time for his wife and 4 children. He never get to see his children during the weekdays becuase he went home late when they were sleeping. By the time he woke up, his children would have left for schools. He said that was his choice in life. To him, wealth is peace. What about to his family? Has he ever considered their feelings? How much does he love them?

The above passage reminds us that our life is "fleeting" (v4) and "Each man's life is but a breath"(v5). God can easily take away the wealth of a man overnight (v11). So where is our boasting?

If life is so short, wouldn't every minute of our life counts? We need to number our days like what the Psalmist requested from God.

Dear Lord,
Teach me to number my days and know how short it is. Therefore I need to use my time properly for things that are meaningful, and for the people that I love, and that includes You.

Now I want to pray for my friend who is feeling troubled, that Your peace will be with him, that he will know that his time is in Your hand. Let him give his trouble to You.

I also want to pray for another friend who needs Your journey mercy as he makes his way home from his trip tomorrow. Give him good sleep so that he may be fresh as he drives back.

In Your loving name I pray. Amen.