1 I said, "I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence." 2 But when I was silent and still,
not even saying anything good,
my anguish increased.
3 My heart grew hot within me,
and as I meditated, the fire burned;
then I spoke with my tongue:
4 "Show me, O LORD, my life's end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.
5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man's life is but a breath.
Selah
6 Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro:
He bustles about, but only in vain;
he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.
7 "But now, Lord, what do I look for?
My hope is in you.
8 Save me from all my transgressions;
do not make me the scorn of fools.
9 I was silent; I would not open my mouth,
for you are the one who has done this.
10 Remove your scourge from me;
I am overcome by the blow of your hand.
11 You rebuke and discipline men for their sin;
you consume their wealth like a moth—
each man is but a breath.
Selah
12 "Hear my prayer, O LORD,
listen to my cry for help;
be not deaf to my weeping.
For I dwell with you as an alien,
a stranger, as all my fathers were.
13 Look away from me, that I may rejoice again
before I depart and am no more."
***
I like playing with sparklers. As you can see from the picture taken during last year's 中秋节 celebrations with the china scholars we are serving, I looked like I was enjoying it. I was! =)
It reminds me of childhood, when we have a once-a-year treat during 中秋节 (mooncake, lanterns and sparklers).
But I also dont like playing with sparklers. Because they go out too fast. About 30 secs of thrill, and it's gone. Even 1 whole box of sparklers cant last more than 5 mins.
As King David said today, life on earth is a mere "breath" compared to eternity from God's perspective.
4 "Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life.
5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath. Selah
I use this analogy of a sparkler for 2 reasons:
If life's like a sparkler...
1) What/who do you put your hope in? What do you live for?
David puts his hope in God and not the "wealth (earthly processions) that he heaps up with"
He knows that the life on earth is temporary, so "he dwell with you (God) as an alien", living as a traveler in transit on earth.
2) Would you burn with passion?
David know that though his life on earth is temporary, it's also under scrutiny from everyone. His life is a living testimony for God, watched by everyone around.
So he "watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin" and he accepted God's discipline.
What about your life? Who do you live for? Would you live your life passionately for God?
Labels: Journey Through Psalms
