Psalm 39 1 I said, I will look to my ways, | Recommended Tunes |
Psalm 39
The Righteous One a Pilgrim and a Stranger
David is under some form of suffering and chastening. Yet in the middle of it he is determined to bridle his tongue, or muzzle it, as in the margin. Indeed, he controlled his anguish and feelings, so that the wicked would not have occasion to level any charges of weakness or unbelief at him. He realises that the stroke which smote him, was of the Lord, and so would not want to dishonour or betray his God. And therefore he remained dumb. It must have been a grievous and physically weakening experience, as he prays to recover strength. Such was the affliction, that he was brought to measure his days.
When we are chastened of the Lord we are to realise that the world is watching, and so we must watch our speech and actions before them, and not make complaint. It also teaches us how frail we are, and the brevity of our existence, and to number the days of usefulness that we have left. May we, with David, resort to prayer at such times.