23.201 | O Lord, Make me know my end | Psalm 39:1-13 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon

Text: Psalm 39:1-13

O LORD, MAKE ME KNOW MY END

 

We wonder why David had determined to refrain from speaking here. No details are given about the situation which inspired it. Was he being confronted by wicked people about some sin or failure on his part? (v.8–11). Or, was he worried that his words would be overly harsh, or that he would return slander with slander? It's also possible David didn't want to speak wrongly about God.

 

He found out that this choice was very difficult and frustrating. Whatever David hoped to accomplish in his own heart by saying nothing, he instead became more agitated.[ v.1,2) The Hebrew phrasing rendered "to no avail" can also be translated, "without success."

 

Inevitably, David could not stay silent any longer, so he spoke. Wisely, however, he chose to express himself to God in prayer. It is unwise and unhealthy to refrain from speaking to God. Our silence only leads to a troubled heart, doesn’t it? Remember, Hebrews 4:15 assures us that the Lord sympathizes with our weaknesses. Let’s bring everything unto Him who could give us peace. [Phil 4:6,7]

 

David did not want to sin with his lips. So, he asks God to work on his own heart. In praying, “O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!” He was not asking the exact time and nature of his death. Having been reminded of the short, fragile, imperfect nature of all humanity, he would be less concerned over his current issues. Rather than being aggravated by his situation, David asked God to alter his perspective, so he could see things in a more godly way.

 

Seeing through God's eternal perspective, our concerns here are tiny, so we can trust His goodness when frustration sets in (v.5). Investing one's life in spiritual pursuits must be our focus not on material wealth. Jesus taught His followers to lay up treasures in heaven. He pointed out that treasures on earth are subject to ruin or theft, whereas treasures in heaven never wear out and are not subject to theft (Mat 6:19–20). However, the wicked persons David noted might have been scrabbling for power and wealth. Chasing money is a foolish plan (Psa 37:16–17; Prov 23:4–5; Ecc 5:10–12; Mat 6:19–24; Luke 12:13–21; 1 Tim 6:10; Heb 13:5). A common cliche is "you can't take it with you." Matter of factly, it’s left behind for someone left behind to enjoy. "The world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever" (1 John 2:17). Proverbs 23:4–5 depicts wealth as flying away as soon as a person tries to look at it. He understood that quantity of years is not as important as the quality of one's life. How many moments a person has is not as important as what one does with those moments.

 

Thus, he wasted no longer but wait and hope unto the Lord alone.[v,7] He asked for the blessing of having been forgiven[v.8] Is there a greater blessing other than being forgiven and right before God? He knows it's better to be humble and silent before God.[v.9] Having repented and admitted his sin, David asks for God to give him a renewed sense of peace and confidence. He knew he would smile again with joy in his heart if the Lord would remove His discipline.[v10,11] He understood that life is fleeting and before long he would depart this life and "be no more." In v 12, David correctly saw himself as a temporary resident of earthly life. This perspective was echoed by those praised in Scripture for their great faith in God (Heb 11:13–16). And as a sojourner with the Lord, he was not traveling alone. (Deut 31:8; Mat 28:20) Likewise, we as believers bound to heaven, the Lord is with us always (Heb 13:5).

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