* The image titled, "Nothing is Hidden From God" is in a book by Hugo, Herman (1588-1629) which is titled "Him[m]lische Nachtigall : singend gottseelige Begirden, der büssend- heilig- und verliebten Seel, nach denen drey Weegen der Reinigung, Erleuchtung, und Vereinigung mit Gott / [Herman Hugo]. Jn hoch-teutscher Sprach verfasst, und mit anmuthigen Kupffern gezieret, durch Joan. Christoph. Hainzmann, Med. D.".
As the psalmist suffers for his foolishness, he complains to God and finds comfort in the knowledge that God knows him thoroughly. "Lord, all my longing is known to thee, my sighing is not hidden from thee." (Psalm 38:9; RSV) The engraver's name, Melchior Kusell, is located in the bottom right corner and the monogram of the artist (SL) is at the lower left.
Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University: http://www.pitts.emory.edu. It is now in public domain.
>1. What did David ask the LORD? Why? What is discipline as defined indirectly in this psalm?
* Psalm 38:1-2 "O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. For your arrows have pierced me, and your hand has come down upon me."
* "do not rebuke me" -The rebuke was physical suffering.
* "in your anger" -God's anger is righteous in that it can lead to a renewal.
* "discipline" -As a loving father disciplines his child. God's discipline is in both the Old and New Testament.
* "your arrows... your hand" -God's arrows and hand.
* "hand come down upon me" -As a loving father paddles the behind of a rebellious child. Father's have a hand as a hand is at ready for the father who sins.
>What is wrath? Was David a true believer? What does that mean relationship wise in this psalm? Who did David say was responsible for this great illness, God or him?
* Psalm 38:3-4 "Because of your wrath there is no health in my body; my bones have no soundness because of my sin. My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear.
* "your wrath" -Punishment as a manifestation of anger. Divine retribution for sin.
* "because of my sin" -David does not blame God. He does not blame the devil. David does not blame others. The blame he confides falls on him.
* "my guilt" -He confession says he is guilty. It took God's disciples to make this confession.
* "like a burden too heavy to bear" -A guilty conscience remains until confession coughs it up.
* Acceptance of and confession of sin are a necessity of forgiveness.
* David sinned, the details of which are not specified in this penetrative petition. The results are his guilt overwhelms him, God disciplines him in his wrath, and he is physically suffering. Many reasons for physical illness and pain exist including because of God's wrath. God disciplines his children in many ways including retribution for sin with illness. Guilt can reside whether one committed an ill act or not. Proper guilt results in repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation. After all, this is the reason God disciplines the ones he loves with piercing arrows and a heavy hand. A fear of God can keep me from experiencing God's heavy hand more so than love for God. Therefore, fear God's discipline enough to live a healthy life.
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 38:1-4.
>2. How had sin affected David? (5-6)
* Psalm 38:5-6 "My wounds fester and are loathsome because of my sinful folly. I am bowed down and brought very low; all day long I go about mourning."
* "my sinful folly" -Other English Bible translates "iwwelet" (transliteration of the original Hebrew) as "foolishness", "folly", and "stupidity"
* "I am bowed down and brought very low" -Emotions, especially guilt affect his psychology.
* "all day long I go about mourning" -Emotions, especially guilt affect his physical body.
* A brief moment of folly can have long term and broad reaching effects.
>Consider the effects of David's sin as conveyed in verses 7 and 8. Was it too late for David? Would he, previously called "one after God's heart" die in his sin?
* Psalm 38:7-8 "My back is filled with searing pain; there is no health in my body. I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart."
* "my back" -The lower abdomen, either side of the backbone to the hips. Perhaps including the reproductive area. Ancient English call this the "loins". This might give a hint of David's sin was sexual, as with Bethsaida.
* "utterly crushed" -As the heavy hand of God is on him.
* "anguish of heart" -The original Hebrew is "meod daka" meaning "exceedingly collapsed and broken".
* Sin can greatly affect the righteous if left confessed.
* David sinned, the devastating physical and psychological effects of his illness as a result of sin are conveyed in detail. His wounds fester and are loathsome. He is bowed down and mourns all day long. His lower back is searing pain. He is feeble and utterly crushed. Anguish of heart groans do not cease. David confesses. "(These are) ...because of my sinful folly." Other English Bible translates "iwwelet" (transliteration of the original Hebrew) as "foolishness", "folly", and "stupidity" When I invite calamity into my life I cannot blame God, "Why me?" is denial and pride. Rather the proper response is, "I accept. I am the one who poisoned the garden so that the life within withers away."
James wrote, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." (James 5:16) Apostle John wrote to all believers, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives." (1 John 1:9-10) Apostle Paul wrote, "That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world." (1 Corinthians 11:30-32)
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 38:5-8.
>3. What lies open to the LORD? What is a longing? A sigh? What does it mean "the light has gone from my eyes"? (9-10)
* Psalm 38:9-10 "All my longings lie open before you, O Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you. My heart pounds, my strength fails me; even the light has gone from my eyes."
* "My longings" -This is what is desired in the heart, not vocalized.
* "My signing" -Same as longing except it is vocalized, but not with words.
* "the light has gone from my eyes" -The words of a poet. Eyes are dimmed by failing strength.
* 1 Samuel 14:27-29 "But Jonathan had not heard that his father had bound the people with the oath, so he reached out the end of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it into the honeycomb. He raised his hand to his mouth, and his eyes brightened. Then one of the soldiers told him, "Your father bound the army under a strict oath, saying, 'Cursed be any man who eats food today!' That is why the men are faint." Jonathan said, "My father has made trouble for the country. See how my eyes brightened when I tasted a little of this honey."
>Why might David's friends and companions avoid him? Why did some seek his life? (11-12)
* Psalm 38:11-12 "My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds; my neighbors stay far away. Those who seek my life set their traps, those who would harm me talk of my ruin; all day long they plot deception."
* David has become isolated proving most of his companions have only been looking out for their own good in keeping associations with him.
* David sinned. God knew and so did everyone else. David's sin caused physical wounds. His friends avoided him. His enemies set their traps. They plot deception.
God knows when I sin. My sins are no surprise to the Lord Jesus. God knows what my sin does to me. Consequences do not startle God. "All my longings (desires) lie open before you, O Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you," David cried out. Though he sinned and was suffering the results of his vile, David renewed his appeal to God.
Communication about everything and anything is a part of the vital divine relationship. "Cry out, 'Save us, O God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, that we may glory in your praise.'" (1 Chronicles 16:35) "You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry," (Psalm 10:17) When Apostle Peter denied knowing Jesus three times, Jesus called him to the beach to have breakfast. (John 21) Reunion is just prayers away.
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 38:9-12.
II. O LORD My Savior (38:13-22)
* The image titled, "Transverberation of the Heart of Saint Teresa" is in a book by Yepes, Diego de (1530 or 31-1614) which is titled "La vie de la Sainte Mere Terese de Iesus, fondatrice de la reforme des Carmes & des Carmelites Déchaussées / Composee par l'Evesque de Tarassonne ; et nouuellement traduite d'Espagnol en François, par le R. Pere Cyprien de la Natiuité de la Vierge, Carme Déchaussé".
Two angels surround Saint Teresa and one pierces her heart with an arrow. The name of the engraver, Rousselot, is inscribed at the bottom of the image.
Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University: http://www.pitts.emory.edu. It is now in public domain.
>4. What is David saying in verses 13-14? Why the silence?
* Psalm 38:13-14 "I am like a deaf man, who cannot hear, like a mute, who cannot open his mouth; I have become like a man who does not hear, whose mouth can offer no reply."
* David is using poet words to say he is not saying anything nor paying attention to the ill words spoken about him. He is going straight to the LORD.
* David sinned. The Lord is disciplining him with a painful illness. His enemies are using these as a means to dispose of him. Sometimes no defense, answers, or rebuttals are the only things that can be done. That is what David is saying in these verse. The only things I can do when much is taken away is put my hope in the Lord Jesus and pray.
Psalm 55:22 states, "Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." And Apostle Peter wrote, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6-7)
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 38:13-16.
>How does David show faith in God? What had he said?
* Psalm 38:15-16 "I wait for you, O LORD; you will answer, O Lord my God. For I said, "Do not let them gloat or exalt themselves over me when my foot slips."
* Continuing the thought in verse 13-14, David shows faith by seeking God for help. He does not strike back. Jesus did the same while on trial.
>5. What did David believe about his future? How can this be reconciled with his prayer for healing? What does he acknowledge about the cause of his pain?
* Psalm 38:17-18 "For I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me. I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin."
* We have to own up to our sin in order to be forgiven.
>What did Jesus teach us about the world's hate for us? (19-20; Matthew 24:9; John 15:18-21)
* Psalm 38:19-20 "Many are those who are my vigorous enemies; those who hate me without reason are numerous. Those who repay my good with evil slander me when I pursue what is good."
* Matthew 24:9-13 9 "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
* John 15:18-21 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.
* David sinned. He followed the way of the righteous when they sin. He confessed his iniquity (gross immorality and injustice) to God and he was troubled with his sin. As David would have read in Leviticus 5:5-6 "When anyone is guilty in any of these ways, he must confess in what way he has sinned and, as a penalty for the sin he has committed, he must bring to the LORD a female lamb or goat from the flock as a sin offering; and the priest shall make atonement for him for his sin."
When his enemies heard of his confession they took advantage of the situation. Though David had done nothing against them, they vigorously sought his downfall. They hated him without reason. They repaid his good with evil. They slandered his name for pursuing what is good. This is the reason for his prayers at this time. He asked for the Lord God to come to his aid.
David wrote of hate without reason before in 35:19 and 69:4. The Apostle John wrote in his gospel that this was fulfilled in the life of Jesus. (John 15:24-25) When the Bible speaks of hate without reason it does not mean that those who do so do not have self-justifications for their actions. Rather, it means that there is no Godly justification for their hateful actions. Their false justification usually falls under prideful judgment and execution of punishment, almost always as a benefit of self. Most are like in this case. They seek to dispose of their enemy and justify it saying, "They deserve it."
Jesus taught, "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." (Luke 6:37) "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Matthew 7:2)
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 38:17-20.
>6. What does forsake mean? Why does he ask this? What does he need help with? Though he sinned, does he have a right to ask this?
* Psalm 38:21-22 "O LORD, do not forsake me; be not far from me, O my God. Come quickly to help me, O Lord my Savior."
* "do not forsake me"
* "be not far from me"
* "come quickly to help me"
* David sinned. His confession and request followed. The dual-verse stanza conclusion sums up the entire appeal, "Do not forsake me, be not far from me, come quickly to help me." David's request is to the LORD, his God and Savior. David has prayed "Do not be far from me" in earlier Psalms 22:19 and 35:22. He prayed "Do not forsake me" several times too. (27:9, 10, 38:21, 71:9, 18, as did a priest in 119:8)
How is it that a man who the Lord stated was after his heart (1 Samuel 13:14) has on at least three occasions needed to ask the Lord these two things? What did he mean? In each instance, he was in dire need. He was very ill, to the point of death and his enemies were sure to make his life miserable and push him to the edge of existence. Hence, the Lord had not come to his rescue. The Lord had not delivered him. The Lord kept him in illness and misery. David did not ask, "Why me?" Instead, David is saying as in Psalm 40:13 and 17, "Be pleased, O LORD, to save me; O LORD, come quickly to help me... Yet I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; O my God, do not delay."
Even a righteous child of God will at times plead with the Lord to not delay any more. The apostles approached the misery and persecution they endured by adding rejoicing that they were considered special enough to suffer for Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 2:2) Peter concludes his first letter, "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 5:10-11)
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 38:21-22.
III. My Hope is in You, Save Me From All My Transgressions (39:1-13)
* The image titled, "Shadows" is in a book by Luiken, Jan (1649-1712) which is titled "Zedelyke en stichtelyke gezangen / van Jan Luiken ; en den lof en oordeel van de werken der barmhertigheid ; alles met konstige figuuren versiert".
Two figures cast shadows as the sun sets in the horizon. Psalms 39 and 144 are cited.
Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University: http://www.pitts.emory.edu. It is now in public domain.
>7. What did David decide to do? (1-2) Why? What happened when he tried that? When does this happen to a person?
* Psalm 39:1-2 "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."
* "watch ways... keep my tongue"
* "muzzle on my mouth"
* "as long as the wicked are in my presence"
* "my anguish increased"
>How did David detail his anguish in verse 3? What did he try to do? Did his attempts are restoring peace succeed? What change of direction did he commence in?
* Psalm 39:3 "My heart grew hot within me, and as I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:"
* "my heart grew hot... the fire burned"
* "as I meditated"
* "then I spoke my tongue"
* Keeping a burning thought and questions inside will irritate the soul. Like a hot volcano, the pressure builds needing more and more soil to keep the heat hidden and buried. Whereas in the previous psalm, David kept his mouth shut before his accusers, here David also keeps his mouth shut before God.
David vowed to keep quiet because he did not want to sin with his words. He put a muzzle on it and meditated. This turned out to be a poor decision because his anguish increased. The teapot would either whistle or explode. The pressure-building thought needed an answer from outside for him to be at peace again. He could not obtain it himself.
As Jesus later taught and Apostle Paul explained, the mouth expresses the thought within. (Matthew 23:25-28; Luke 11:39-41) Holding thoughts and anguish in does not get rid of the troubling question or sin unless I am all-knowing or at least an honest brilliant thinker. Since I am not, holding thoughts in only alters the consequences. Opening my mouth will cause others to react against me. Keeping my mouth shut and thoughts inside causes my body to react against my peace. Either way, the consequences of thoughts and sin are experienced.
David's recant of this incident continues in the following verses; as does the solution.
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 39:1-3.
>8. What did he scream? (4) Why could be some reasons that he he ask the Lord to do this? How does verse 5 help understand what David was thinking that caused so much anxiety of soul?
* Psalm 39:4-5 "Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. 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
* "Show me" -Various translations include: "make me know", "make me aware", "cause me to know", "teach me", and "reveal to me".
* "my life's end and the number of my days" -Various commentaries stated that David can be saying several things in this verse. However, the do not tell which one it is probably because they were not sure themselves.
* "let me know how fleeting is my life" -Same as above, commentators in good conscience state several perspectives David could have in this, but are not definitive on which was is the true. They leave it up to the reader.
* "you have made" -David acknowledge that this is God's design.
* David has a nagging thought that induces so much anguish when he holds it in he nearly explodes. He did not want to sin by saying something sinful before the wicked in his presence or before his God. So he held it in. Yet, he could not for his distressed heart burned like a consuming fire devouring his peace.
What weighed so heavy on his heart? The brevity of his life chafed his soul raw. He screamed, "Each man's life is but a breath." The state of probation and preparation is short and David knew he was failing. He wanted the Lord to remind him that his final moment was fast approaching. He sought motivation to keep him from sinning and do what is right, noble, and good. Yet, even though he changed, his life would not be long enough to redeem the wrong.
Moses prayed, "The length of our days is seventy years-- or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. Who knows the power of your anger? For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you. Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:10-12)
Can David, myself, and anyone else have any hope? The past cannot be undone. The future is short. A fast end makes time well spent not enough to redeem. Did David find any way to be redeemed? The coming verses contain the receipt.
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 39:4-5.
>9. How does verse 6 continue the thought revealed in verses 4 and 5? How did his son Solomon state the same in Ecclesiastes? How does Jesus say the same in the parable of the rich fool? (Luke 12:20-21)
* Psalm 39:6 "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."
* Consider Job who confessed the same in chapter 7 and King Solomon, David's son in Ecclesiastes chapters 1 and 2.
* "phantom" -Other English Bible's translates the original Hebrew word "tepah" as "handbreadth", "a mere shadow", and "in an image".
* "he bustles about" -Works hard. Desires lead to plans. Plans lead to hard word. Hard work and effort leads to refining and redesign which lead to accomplished work.
* "vain" -As an elder King Solomon realized at the end of an successful life, "Vanity, vanity, vanity..."
* "heaps up wealth not knowing who will get it" -Jesus reveals in the parable "The Rich Fool" what some face when an fatal or near fatal illness comes.
* David's confessed fiery soul contemplation compelled by a sin-generated mental turmoil had altered David's life perspective. The confession in verses 4 and 5 is continued in verse 6. The fast-approaching consumption of life and the unimportance of past actions had obtained his full attention. Grave sin and dire illness will alter a person's perception of life. "What is really important? Is anything important when one is about to die?"
Grievous illness leads to life perspective change. Near death pinches the soul causing the mind to quickly awake from slumber. "Certainly, man walks about like a mere shadow. Indeed, they frantically rush around in vain, gathering possessions without knowing who will get them." (Holman Christian Standard Bible) An aged successful Solomon confessed, "So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have control over all the work into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless." (Ecclesiastes 2:17-19)
Jesus, in an attempt to pinch souls without a life-threatening event, revealed in the parable "The Rich Fool", God's take on people whose hard work and planning caused them to become very wealthy. "God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." (Luke 12:20-21)
Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 3:18-20, "Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness"; and again, "The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile."
What then is there? What is the point? What is the meaning? Where is there hope that sure and true? Is there more than the phantom life? Yes! The answer to these questions are in the following verses to be revealed in the following BDBD.
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 39:6.
>What was revealed to David when he shouted out to God about his heart struggle? (7-8) Was this illness a life-altering event? Can good come from pain and tragedy?
* Psalm 39:7-8 "But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools."
* Consider King Solomon, David's son same conclusion stated in chapter 12.
* "My hope is in you. Save me from all my transgressions"
* "do not make me the scorn of fools"
* What is hope? Is it desire? A dream? A wish? An expectation? Hope is my soul looking forward to and expecting something better, something truly satisfying in a time to come.
When the next moment is death and when looking into the soul's transgressions and the vanity of life already passed, what can one hope for tomorrow and after? Review a life past spent doing things that do not lead to a satisfied soul what is there to desire and expect? "Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope." (1 Chronicles 29:15b)
Can my hope be in me and my actions? My actions past were all vanity. Meaningless, meaningless, meaningless as Solomon wrote. And as David wrote here a mere phantom life. Honest self-reflection knows that a fool hopes in oneself. Like once prosperous Job lamented when all was loss and a fatal illness slowly consumed his flesh, "What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What prospects, that I should be patient? Do I have the strength of stone? Is my flesh bronze? Do I have any power to help myself, now that success has been driven from me?" (Job 6:11-13)
Hope worth living for is not in self-accomplishment nor is vague and insecure dreams. Even if achieved such hope becomes a letdown once accomplished. A trophy and metal on the wall dim in satisfaction as time progresses.
Hope worth living for is in the Lord Jesus. He is the better future. "In his name, the nations put their hope." (Matthew 12:21) David said about him: "'I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.'" (Acts 2:25-28)
Apostle Paul wrote, "And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God" (Romans 5:2) "Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." (Romans 8:23-25)
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 39:7-8.
>Why did David say he had remained silent? (9) Since he finally spoke what did he now request? (10) What does verse 12 reveal he knew and learned?
* Psalm 39:9-11 "I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this. Remove your scourge from me; I am overcome by the blow of your hand. You rebuke and discipline men for their sin; you consume their wealth like a moth-- each man is but a breath. Selah"
* "... for you are the one who has done this." -Verse 9 is a recap of his earlier statement that he was silent, but adds why "... for you are the one who has done this."
* "Remove your scourge from me"
* "I am overcome by the blow of your hand."
* Verse 11 is a conclusion of what he can to deeply accept through the event.
* David confesses his sin. He indirectly was the cause of the illness. David sinned and the Lord disciplined him as a good father does. The discipline was the illness. The illness was a near-death moment.
David did not say anything when disciplined. He and those around him knew he had sinned and knew the Lord was disciplining him. They believed he would die. David did not say anything, not even to God. He remained silent and thought about the place he had put himself in. When he could not hold his tongue anymore due to an anguished heart he spoke his confession.
God is constantly involved him my life. He is not far off and unconcerned. He desires that I am the best that I can be. The best that I can be is displayed in the life of Jesus. Jesus is my perfection destination. When I am not heading for the destination, the Lord rebukes me by the blow of his hand. I may be healthy one moment and terribly ill the next. I need to realize and accept that each man is but a breath. The fear of the Lord needs to be known and understood as much as the Love and forgiveness of the Lord.
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 39:9-11.
>10. What had David knew about his anguish, pain, suffering and illness? (10) Was he so special? Why did he say "look away from me? What does this mean?
* Psalm 39:12-13 "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. Look away from me, that I may rejoice again before I depart and am no more."
* "as an alien" -To David, God had punished him harshly and then left him in his misery.
* "all my fathers were" -He accepted he was no different.
* "look away from me" -Stop the illness. "Spare me", "turn your angry gaze from me", "Look from me", and "turn your angry gaze from me" is in other English translations.
* At the beginning of the psalm, David recalls the reason and effects of his silence before the wicked and before God. Now David is mooing his plea to the Lord. To pray is better than silence. The Lord already knows, why be silent? Help is just a prayer away. The Lord is not deaf. He is waiting for the confession of a humble and contrite soul.
What happens when I do not pray? When my heart is not reaching for God I am like an alien walking away. When David was silent it was as if God punished him harshly and then left him in his misery. He might as well be an alien dwelling in the kingdom of God. Silence makes me a stranger to God. I will know the truth in silence, only suffering from my unrelenting stubbornness.
The Lord Jesus looks at the stubborn lack of faith with distressed eyes, the stern look of a parent. One Sabbath the Pharisees criticized Jesus' disciples for picking some heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating the kernels. On another Sabbath, Jesus was teaching in a synagogue the Pharisees were watching him to see if he would heal. They considered healing working which was a Sabbath no-no according to their rules. Then Jesus said to them, "I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?" He looked around at them all (with stern parent eyes), and then said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He did so, and his hand was completely restored. But they were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus. (Luke 6:9-11) A child does not rejoice when a parent gives him that look
