Psummer of Psalms: Psalm 39

Main Point: Let Your Weakness Drive You to God

Text: Psalm 39

Outline:

A) Self-determination (vv. 1–3)

B) Self-limitation (vv. 4–6)

C) Self-confidence (vv. 7–11)

D) God-comfort (vv. 12–13)

Psalm 39

A Psalm of David.

[1] I said, “I will guard my ways,

that I may not sin with my tongue;

I will guard my mouth with a muzzle,

so long as the wicked are in my presence.”

[2] I was mute and silent;

I held my peace to no avail,

and my distress grew worse.

[3] My heart became hot within me.

As I mused, the fire burned;

then I spoke with my tongue:

[4] “O LORD, make me know my end

and what is the measure of my days;

let me know how fleeting I am!

[5] Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,

and my lifetime is as nothing before you.

Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah

[6] Surely a man goes about as a shadow!

Surely for nothing they are in turmoil;

man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!

[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!

[9] I am mute; I do not open my mouth,

for it is you who have done it.

[10] Remove your stroke from me;

I am spent by the hostility of your hand.

[11] When you discipline a man

with rebukes for sin,

you consume like a moth what is dear to him;

surely all mankind is a mere breath! Selah

[12] “Hear my prayer, O LORD,

and give ear to my cry;

hold not your peace at my tears!

For I am a sojourner with you,

a guest, like all my fathers.

[13] Look away from me, that I may smile again,

before I depart and am no more!” (ESV)

To the choirmaster.