I said to myself, “I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will hold my tongue when the ungodly are around me.” But as I stood there in silence— not even speaking of good things— the turmoil within me grew worse. The more I thought about it, the hotter I got, igniting a fire of words: “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” Interlude We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it. And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you. Rescue me from my rebellion. Do not let fools mock me. I am silent before you; I won’t say a word, for my punishment is from you. But please stop striking me! I am exhausted by the blows from your hand. When you discipline us for our sins, you consume like a moth what is precious to us. Each of us is but a breath. Interlude Hear my prayer, O Lord! Listen to my cries for help! Don’t ignore my tears. For I am your guest— a traveler passing through, as my ancestors were before me. Leave me alone so I can smile again before I am gone and exist no more.
Psalms 39:1-13 NLT
Silence is special. David made a commitment to be silent and not sin with his words. That is a hard commitment to keep! When he was surrounded by ungodly people, a fire began inside him, and he spoke what needed to be said. There is a time to be silent and a time to speak up. Ask God for the wisdom to know the difference and the strength to do the right thing.
Life is fleeting, and we are sojourners passing through. We were made for more than this present (broken) world. You can trust in God and build your life on Him. This psalm is a reminder that your days are numbered. You need to use every one of those days to live the most you can live – for God, family, for the Kingdom, and soaking up and enjoying the good things of life. Make the most of today.
How can you make the most of your time in this life? How can you be wise with your words and your silence?
