Psalm 39

This song was specifically sent to Jeduthun, a choirmaster.  Read about him in I Chron. 16:41 and 25:1
Also, Psalm 62 and 77 reference him in their titles.

David laments the seeming futility of life in this song.

It seems he's been stewing to me......perhaps with thoughts of why the wicked prosper or are allowed to continue in their wicked ways.  Perhaps he's just in one of those 'funks' we find ourselves in when all seems to be unfullfilling and meaningless. Who knows?  

But we do know this from what David says.....he was determined to not sin with his tongue, especially in the presence of the wicked.  He was finding it hard to keep silent, however, and the emotions he was struggling with boiled and festered within him until he had to speak.  And his choice of audience was spot on.....GOD.

"Show me my end......and the measure of my days"  sounds like a reverent challenge, if you will, to show him some meaning in life.  It sounds like a "why?" question to me.  RSB study notes speak of the godly comparing their own hard lives to the prosperity of the wicked and wondering perhaps if it was all worth it.  I think we can understand this mentality today.  I do.  The writer of Hebrews understood it for those he wrote to who were considering returning to the old ways of Judaism rather than run the (hard) race with Christ
Holiness is hard!

Life is fleeting and vain (sounds like Ecclesiastes!)  And God's "discipline seems too much for the fragility of life" (NKJB notes).

I hear a weariness in his voice.  Weary of trying.  Weary of persevering.  Weary of watching others have an easier life because they don't fear God and keep His commandments.

Verse 7 is the pivotal point....."My hope is in You."     Meaning!
It is as if he recognizes the folly of his thoughts and  runs to God.  He confesses his sin and transgressions, He asks God to remove His heavy hand of discipline  so that he can smile again.  He has passed now from anger to weeping.  God's discipline is having its desired effect!

It is good to recognize the 'hand of the Lord" in our lives.  I think of Hebrews 12.....the Lord chastens those He loves.  If not chastened, consider yourself illegitimate!  But like an earthly father, our Heavenly Father disciplines us, training us and exercising us to equip us to run the race with endurance.

I am so glad that He listens to our whining along the way though.  Glad for his comfort even in His discipline.  And glad for wisdom to see what He has accomplished in us through it.