selah
“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.”
Psalm 39:7 ESV
Life in devotion to God is the only life worth living.
Psalm 39 is a sober reminder of the brevity of life. We read of the inner turmoil of a silent sufferer reflecting on the human existence and turning to the Lord for help. “O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath!” (Ps 39:4-5)
This is a bold prayer amidst a world that thrives on our fear and discontentment. Many spend their days busy and blind to eternal things working hard to heap up riches (Ps 39:6), grasping onto tomorrows never promised, but this is only a counterfeit shadow to a heavenly reality— So what are we to do?
Do we give into cynicism and hopelessness? Do we live in denial or from a place of constant fear? No, friend. We simply redirect our hope. Nothing can change the frailty of life, but we can change how we spend each day. David didn’t want to live as though his physical life would go on forever—he knew the only way to experience abundant life is to acknowledge that it is short and to live fully unto the Lord.
If we place our hope in the things of this world, even the good things—our family, successes, our health and our wealth — God will see that our lives are filled with bitter disappointment. Why? Because He loves us too much to let us build our joy on the fleeting things of this earth. He is jealous for His people and His glory (Dt 4:24) and will come between anything that seeks to replace His authority in our lives.
Selah, friend. Pause. Consider the frailty of life and let it drive you to greater dependence on the only hope who will never disappoint. Trust God. Do good with this day you’ve been given. There’s nothing to fear if we will wait on the Lord.
In Christ,
Makenzi
additional reading:
Old Testament: Ecclesiastes 2:21, Psalms 90:12, Proverbs 23:4
New Testament: James 4:14, Luke 9:24 , Matthew 6:19-20, John 6:27
reflect:
Relationships, financial stability, good health—all of these have their place, but they shouldn’t be the focus of our hope. What does it mean to hope only in God? What are you counting on for happiness and fulfillment? When you encounter trials, what do you do? Do you get angry with God or submit to his hand of discipline? Do you hunger and thirst after God’s righteousness in your life?
centering prayer:
LORD, remind me to number my days so that I may grow in wisdom. It is for you, alone I wait, and in you alone I place my hope. In Jesus name, amen.
