Today’s scripture: Psalm 39 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Zier):
I love the end of verse 5 in this Psalm, “Surely everyone stands as a mere breath.” This phrase sums up much of what is said in this psalm. If our life on this earth is but a mere breath, and our lifetime seemingly nothing compared to the continuum of God’s time, we have this short time here to grow our souls, gain the wisdom here that we can, and live the best life we can live before the next phase of our existence in God’s presence.
In this Psalm, David is thinking about his own mortality, something we all may do at some point in our lives. In this short existence, this Psalm is putting forth the question; “How do we want to spend our days?” Would we rather learn what it means to love as God loves, and be more thoughtful with our words and actions, or allow our minds to be consumed with selfish motives where our words and actions turn to our disadvantage, not allowing us to feel God’s presence in our lives?
Remember that God is a God of second chances. Jesus’ resurrection is something that we can live out here in this life. It is never too late. David made plenty of mistakes in his life and fell to the feelings of jealousy, selfishness, power and pride. In this Psalm he is praying to God for forgiveness, and for God to enlighten his mind with wisdom and fill his heart with God’s grace. Something we can all pray today.
Thought For The Day: Life is a mere breath. What is your prayer today?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.