Life is too precious for us to waste it by being weighed down by the burden of our sin. There may be situations in our lives that cause us deep regret and anguish. You may be currently experiencing a time of turmoil and trouble. You can find encouragement and perspective from David as he reflected on the brevity of life and his loss of fellowship with God. David wanted to make every day count by experiencing the fullness of God’s presence. He wanted to know experientially the the importance of valuing each day:

Lord, let me know my end, and what is the extent of my days; let me know how transient I am. (Psalm 39:4)

Do we realize the fleeting nature of our lives? David described our ephemeral lives as the mere width of a hand:

Behold, You have made my days like hand widths, and my lifetime as nothing in Your sight; certainly all mankind standing is a mere breath. Selah (Psalm 39:5)

The word translated breath in this verse is a common word in the book of Ecclesiastes where it is often translated vanity. It denotes a vapor or breath signifying that which is fleeting. David concluded his thought with the Hebrew word Selah. Selah was thought to indicate a pause or musical interlude for reflection. He describes the vanity of living for passing pleasures in the next verse:

Certainly every person walks around as a fleeting shadow; they certainly make an uproar for nothing; he amasses riches and does not know who will gather them. (Psalm 39:6)

David was concerned with making his life count for eternity, not simply enjoying the ephemeral pleasures on earth that will soon be gone. When you understand that life is short and unpredictable, you develop a greater value for our brief time on earth. David knew that the key was to restore his relationship with God:

And now, Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You. (Psalm 39:7)

During our brief sojourn upon this earth, have you discovered that which is most important? It is not in amassing possessions, but it is being in a right relationship with God – that’s where David discovered true peace and acceptance. Apart from God, David concluded that all was vanity. Again, he reflected upon the brevity of life:

With rebukes You punish a person for wrongdoing; You consume like a moth what is precious to him; certainly all mankind is mere breath! Selah (Psalm 39:11)

David desperately longed for the intimate fellowship with God that he had experienced in the past:

Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry; do not be silent at my tears; for I am a stranger with You, a sojourner like all my fathers. Turn Your eyes away from me, that I may become cheerful again before I depart and am no more. (Psalm 39:12-13)

May we realize the brevity of life and make each day count for His glory.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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