Hobart Herd Devotional – Psalms 39 – 6-9-20
Have you ever been totally angry, fed up, and discouraged about what is happening in this sinful world? David saw so much of the wickedness of people around him that it was driving him to sinful anger. I know none of us are feeling this way right now. In verses 1-3, David tried to just keep his mouth shut, and carry on in the midst of it all. The problem was that his heart just became more and more angry and frustrated, causing him to have a sinful attitude towards others. The answer was to see things from God’s point of view by realizing the number of our days in comparison to God’s view and plan for eternity.
I just finished looking at 2 Peter 3, and was reminded that the Lord’s patience with man’s sinfulness meant my salvation in the past and will be the opportunity for others in the future to have the opportunity to receive Christ as Savior in the future. His timing for judgment of sin means my salvation.(2 Peter 3:14-15) Our lives are but a blip on the screen compared with the patient love and grace of my Lord and Savior.
In verses 7-13 we see David’s heart change to God’s view of things. 7 “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you. 8 Deliver me from all my transgressions. Do not make me the scorn of the fool!(ESV) When we put our hope in the Lord we begin to see that we are dependent on the grace and mercy of God for forgiveness of our sin. What if we really received God’s judgment and wrath ourselves. When we cry out for vengeance and judgment on sin we also have to take a close look at ourselves.
This Psalm ends with a prayer for God to hear our prayers and not withhold His peace. I remember growing up that my Mom could give me “the Look” that would immediately shut my mouth and change my actions and attitudes. No one could withstand that look and continue whining or back talking. David wanted God to take His eye off him so that he could smile again. None of us can withstand the all-knowing holy look of the Lord and be comfortable in our sin. May I learn to look at others living in sin with the eye of the Savior, “Father forgive them because they don’t know what they are doing.” May I be as gracious and loving as the Lord.
Father, forgive me for my sin of anger against people instead of anger against sin. If I received justice, I could not stand before Your righteousness. Truly Your patient mercy and grace is salvation! May my hope be in you as I view my life from the view of eternity with thankfulness for Your eyes of love for me. In Jesus Name, Amen! Pastor Rob