PAUSES TO PONDER

Psalm 39

Sunday, 25 January 2026

“And now, Lord, what do I wait for?

My hope is in You.” -Psalm 39:7

Here is a Psalm by David that is different from many other Psalms, which is more reflective and subdued in its tone.  In going through a period of physical affliction, he ponders on the brevity of life, the vanity of riches and has confidence only in the Lord.

The temporal nature of life is seen in the words David describes it in the Psalm: “handbreadth,” “vapor,” “shadow.” Generally, people don’t think about the shortness of life when all is well with them, but only when they go through trouble or illness. We need to consider such occurrences as “pauses” for reflection. Consider what God is trying to speak to us through them and what lessons we can take from them. David refers to transgressions, iniquity and the blows and rebukes he received from God, which points to the aspect that sometimes afflictions are God’s tools for correction for sinful ways in a person. Hebrews 12:7 reminds us: “If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?”

Lets look at 2 things David did at the time of his affliction:

1. He put a muzzle over his mouth (v.1)

David restrained himself in speaking while he was in agony as he was apprehensive that he may utter something foolishly. When one undergoes troubles, it is easy to blame God and try and prove his/her innocence. Man tries to find some reasoning or other for his mishaps. We know from the story of Job that his troubles weren’t the consequences of his sin but God allowed testing in his life. Here in David’s life, he acknowledged his iniquities and said, “I am consumed by the blow of Your hand” (v.10). He was looking to the Lord for mercy as he sought deliverance and pleaded: Do not make me the reproach of the foolish (v.8). We can become the laughing stock of the wicked who mock us when we go through trouble. So David asked the Lord to deliver him from his distress.

2. He put his hope in the Lord (v.7)

In the midst of his trouble, his only hope was in the Lord. Having reflected on the brevity of life and emptiness in hoarding riches (vs 4-6), David understood if he needed anything in life, it would have to come from the hand of the Lord. He therefore put his hope in him and prayed that the Lord be attentive to his cry and not ignore his tears (v.12). His hope was only in the Lord who could grant him strength to recover and live some more time before the end of his life. That is the expectation of everyone who seeks the Lord earnestly in times of adversity—deliverance from their present circumstances that they may experience better days.

In our meditation today, can we remind ourselves of the scripture in Psalm 90:12: “So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Whether you are going through a difficult phase in your life or not, it is good to remember that life is brief and we need to live it purposefully in the will of the Lord. If pride or boasting or achievements or possessions has got the better of us, let us confess them to the Lord and seek forgiveness of our wrong attitudes and actions. If the Lord reminds us of sin that has caused the Lord’s disciplinary measures in the present crisis we are going through, let us repent and seek His cleansing and mercy that we may turn over a new chapter in our lives. May we gain a heart of wisdom to live our lives well before the Lord!

Think on: The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception. – Proverbs 14:8