“I was mute and silent, I refrained even from good, and my sorrow grew worse. My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: LORD, make me to know my end and what is the extent of my days; let me know how transient I am. 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” (Psa 39:2–5).
David’s step in the right direction begins when he asks God to show him life from the divine perspective.
The close relationship between Psalms 38 and 39 reveals once again the intelligent design of the Psalter and the need to ponder each psalm within its literary context. Psalm 39 continues Psalm 38, which focuses on David’s sin and the consequences of trying to conceal it. In both psalms, David pays a heavy price for trying to hide his sin (Psa 38:3, 18; 39:1). He describes himself as “mute,” unable to speak because of his inner pain (Psa 38:13; 39:2, 9). His silence leads to even more “sorrow/pain” (Psa 38:17; 39:2). The consequences of his sin are described as a “plague” (Psa 38:10; 39:9). God “chastens” and “reproves” him (Psa 38:1, 14; 39:11). And David finds himself estranged, both from his family (Psa 38:11) and from God (Psa 39:12).
David’s step in the right direction begins when he asks God to show him life from the divine perspective: “LORD, make me to know my end and what is the extent of my days; let me know how transient I am” (Psa 39:4). It is then that he realizes both the brevity of life (Psa 39:5) and the “futility” (hevel) of a life lived for personal gain rather than for the glory of God (Psa 39:5, 6, 11). Real hope is not found in saving face (Psa 39:1) or in amassing wealth (Psa 39:6), but in a God who redeems, forgives, and gives true purpose (Psa 39:7–8).
Would that we too ask God to show us how short and meaningless life is when lived in darkness. O that God would help us understand that the cost of revealing our sin is far less than the cost we pay for trying to hide it.
