Living for Him

 

We are still camped out here in Psalm 39, and this week we will focus on living for the Lord. That's a quick and easy thing to say, isn't it? Slips right out of our mouths very naturally . . . but in the scurry and flurry and craziness of our lives, what does it really mean?

Save me from all my transgressions;
    do not make me the scorn of fools. (v. 8)

David is asking for help: he knows that the godless are quick to pounce on any failure on the part of believers. He is praying that they would not have the opportunity to point their fingers, shake their heads, and scoff at God - because of him. Now, for them to have no occasion to scoff, David knows that he needs to be delivered from his sins. And looking critically at himself, David sees two areas in which he must try to be holy: his speech and his actions.

David was well aware, as we should be, that words of complaint can be misunderstood in the wrong company. Words are important, as our attorney-son reminds me at times. David wanted to be very careful: even in the midst of his trials, he didn't want to say anything that would cast a shadow on his Lord. So, what does he do? He muzzles his mouth!

I said, “I will watch my ways
    and keep my tongue from sin;
I will put a muzzle on my mouth
    while in the presence of the wicked.” (v1)

It seems like a rather blunt way to say it, but it's true! If we are going to grow in holiness, we must learn to "muzzle our mouth" or watch our speech. James told us the same thing over in the New Testament:

We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check....The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:2,6-8)

James is reminding us that we need to choose our words carefully, to use them to glorify God and also to build up His people. Not to belabor the point, but do we often grin at our friends and let out a "friendly put-down"? Do we employ sarcasm and think that since we are among friends, it's understood to be softer, kinder than it sounds?

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29)

We must pursue holiness in our speech!

Now, as we read this psalm, we can tell that David has more in mind than some "friendly" barbs and conversation around the banquet table. He's concerned that his complaining could be misinterpreted. He's in a hard trial; it appears that he is suffering with an illness and perhaps depression over his health. He knows that the ungodly may overhear him if he is complaining - and he doesn't want to give them a chance to point fingers. It's hard to "muzzle" our mouth in those situations, isn't it? The only thing that I have found to work in that trial is to catch myself as I begin to voice my fears and frustrations -- and instead, drop my head and pray. I offer up my apprehensions to my Creator, and He never fails me. He gives me peace. 

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

But what about holiness in our actions? David wanted to be rid of all of his transgressions. And since sin begins in our minds, we need to start at the thought level.

And He was saying, “That which comes out of the person, that is what defiles the person. 21 For from within, out of the hearts of people, come the evil thoughts, acts of sexual immorality, thefts, murders, acts of adultery, 22 deeds of greed, wickedness, deceit, indecent behavior, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile the person.” (Mark 7: 20-23, NASB)

Jesus also gave us the "flip side" of the coin . . . .in order to pursue holiness in behavior, we must (Matthew 5:6) "hunger and thirst for righteousness." Wow, hunger and thirst are huge motivators, right? Sometimes we believers just don't think about how much we need to be holy. We don't hunger and thirst for it. Are we being honest with ourselves today? Do we approach personal holiness with a "well-if-He-gave-it-to-me-it-would-be-nice-it's-kinda-hard-to-pursue-it-in-my-world" attitude? Or are we striving for holiness as if our very survival depended on it? Are we hungry, and thirsty for holiness in our lives?

If we are not, how can we get there?

One way we get there is a way that God uses; He used it here with David: trials. So, when the trials come, to live for Him means that we put our hope in him and strive for holiness in the trials.