Life is short. It is here today and gone tomorrow. Further, according to scripture, we do not know the hour that our lives on earth will come to an end. Solomon observes, “For man does not know his time. Like fish that are taken in an evil net, and like birds that are caught in a snare, so the children of man are snared at an evil time, when it suddenly falls upon them” (Ecc 9:12). In this Psalm, David understood this divine truth, for he prays that God would keep his awareness of it, “O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!” (v4). Additionally, he was also enduring discipline due to his sins, which was being administered to help him refocus on God. His prayer to end such a season draws attention to two simple truths:
Only one life is given to demonstrate obedience to God. While David was suffering the attacks of his enemies, he endeavored not to sin against God with his actions or words, thus he says, “…I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle, so long as the wicked are in my presence” (v1). He kept this way as long as he could, but his grieving over their evils became too much to bear. He could no longer remain silent. How does David respond? He did not act in anger, nor speak judgement over them. Instead, he turned his attention way from them and towards God. He activated the power of faith by giving his lips to praise thus assuring himself of God’s truth, “Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as mere breath! (v5). Because of God, we need not worry about those who inflict and add insult to injury upon us during our suffering, for he will have the last say. Because of God, their power and possessions by which they wield evil will come to nothing. Because of God, they have no future hope, but you and I do. Trust and obey his Word, and we shall see the glory of God in our lives.
God is our confidence. Though David was suffering the consequences of his sin, he did not seek refuge in the shade of accountability avoidance and self pity. He fixates on God and cast himself upon the altar of his mercy, for he cries out, “Deliver me from all my transgressions. Do not make me the scorn of a fool!” (v9). Remember, God’s rebuke is a mercy to us. For if we continue in active disobedience, our sins will overtake our lives like insects eating our garments or as David says of God, “…you consume like a moth what is dear to him;…” (v11).
God never gives up on his children (even in error). He never repays us with what we actually deserve. When we are enduring these seasons of life, let us imitate David’s disposition and fasten our attention on God. Let us be reminded of the brevity of our lives, for James exhorts, “…What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (Jam 4:14). Pray on this truth: it is not as important how long we live, as what we DO with the life given by God. Though none of us know the hour of our end, we can place our trust in Him. For through Christ alone have we been granted a glorious future. Let these truths encourage and helps us see the great treasure and significance of our lives. Amen.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com