We Need to Value Each Day of Life
Photo by Vasu Pendyala on Unsplash
A whisper in the wind
When I was young, as with most people, I gave little thought to the importance of each day itself. I never thought of my life or each day as just “a whisper in the wind.”
Although I’ve suffered through allergies and asthma throughout life, I led a pretty sheltered life. Sheltered from suffering and death. As I grew older, I realized how much suffering and pain some people endured.
No one wants to suffer. But suffering is a reality of life on earth, and suffering comes in many forms. When suffering comes, we all ask why—Why must this be? How long will it last?
It may be of no immediate comfort, but know this—suffering has a way of grabbing us, of getting our full attention. As CS Lewis wrote—
“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” (from his book – The Problem of Pain)
Determining the purpose of suffering, whatever kind it is, isn't simple. This famous quote by CS Lewis gives us some insight, while this psalm gives us an expanded understanding.
Life on this earth is temporary. But life and hope in God are eternal.
Scripture
For the choir director; for Jeduthun; a psalm by David.
I said, “I will watch my ways so that I do not sin with my tongue.
I will bridle my mouth while wicked people are in my presence.”
“Teach me, O Lord, about the end of my life. Teach me about the number of days I have left so that I may know how temporary my life is.
Indeed, you have made the length of my days ⌊only⌋ a few inches. My life span is nothing compared to yours.
Certainly, everyone alive is like a whisper in the wind. Selah [vss 1, 4-5]
Each person who walks around is like a shadow. They are busy for no reason. They accumulate riches without knowing who will get them.”
And now, Lord, what am I waiting for? My hope is in you!
With stern warnings you discipline people for their crimes. Like a moth you eat away at what is dear to them.
Certainly, everyone is like a whisper in the wind. Selah [vss 6-7, 11]
(Psalm 39:1, 4-5, 6-7, 11 GW) [Context– Psalm 39]
Reflections and Insights
David had an intimate relationship with God. The Lord was the one constant in his life through many high and very low points. David took responsibility for his own life and understood the limitations of life itself.
So David asks the Lord to teach him to “know how temporary my life is.” He sees “everyone alive is like a whisper in the wind.” He says this twice. Each time it’s followed by a Selah—a pause for reflection.
No one wants to die, but every one of us will die. Even people who take their own life don't want to die, they've just given up hope.
We all need a living hope beyond the whisper of life on earth. Hope is better than cynicism, fatalism, or nihilism. David knew where his hope was — “My hope is in you (God)!”
It's easy to get caught up in everyday tasks and pursuits, but there's no final, satisfying destination. Yet, when we see how short and fragile life is, it humbles us. At least, it ought to humble us.
Real hope is grounded in a relationship of trust in God, the Creator of life. David knew this from experience, even in the darkest of times.
Do you know this as David did?
When pain invades your life and when the darkness of suffering seems to overwhelm you—cry out to God as David did.
God listens. He knows. He is there for you, especially in the dark times.
Digging deeper to Make it personal...
Review the Scriptures above as you consider the following questions
How does the psalmist begin to describe his situation?
What does he say after the pain grows worse? What does he ask God to teach him?
How is a typical life described? How is this description applied to people and their daily lives?
What is the request at the end of this prayerful psalm? What does he hope for?
Do you ever feel life is futile, almost purposeless?
When you struggle with pain, physical or emotional, how do you cope with it?
How do you view life in general? Have you come to realize how life is precious yet fragile?
Do you take time each day to appreciate the life God gave you?
Would you like a free study guide for your study of Psalms?
Click the link for a free Psalms Study Guide
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