Only one life . . .

 "Only one life, 'twill soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last."

We could take that for the theme of what David will tell us here in Psalm 39. Life must be lived for the Lord. Now David will tell us just what he means.

First, let's look at verse seven:

“But now, Lord, what do I look for?
    My hope is in you. (Psalm 39:7)

First, to live for the Lord means that I put all my hope in Him.

Oh, now that's easy, right? We all can agree on that. 

But wait. It's fine that we agree on it.

Do we really LIVE it? 

Let me explain . . . . The longer that I live, the more I notice people who are putting their hope in other things. Even though they may say that their hope is in God. And only in God. Their actions and attitudes tell anyone an entirely different story. 

Have you observed a mom or dad who puts all their hope in family? A young person who puts all their hope in friends? Loving relationships are truly a wonderful gift from God. But people can fail us - even our kids. Families experience conflicts and estrangements, hurt feelings and broken dreams. Friends can fall away. They can choose other companions; they can advise us wrongly; they can betray us. Folks can die before we are ready for them to be taken from us. If our hopes are there, we may be left empty and disappointed.

We all have probably known someone who puts their hope in the things of this world. It's been said, though, that there is a "God-shaped hole inside the human soul" and that only He can bring us true peace and satisfaction. The things of this world cannot satisfy; they are as fleeting as that cloud when we breathe out on a winter morning! Putting our hope in those things will disappoint.

But I digress. 

My point was that even though we agree with the concept, it's easy to miss the mark of having our hope in the Lord.

Christians can easily get caught up on the hamster wheel of pursuing financial security. It's for the right reasons, even, but they drift into working long hours and climbing the corporate ladder. "I want to provide things for my family," they say. They continue to focus on the things that shout "success," instead of the things of God. They give very little thought or effort to get the gospel to those who have yet to hear about Jesus, our Savior. They are too busy putting their hope in financial security.

Other believers have been influenced by the world concerning the pursuit of pleasure. Don't get me wrong -- there is a proper place and even a need for recreation. We must make sure that our bodies and spirits are refreshed and renewed. But how much is enough? I've heard Christians who say they won't get involved in a local church or ministry because it would "tie them down" on their weekends. Oh, dear. That just means that they are more committed to pursuing those weekend activities than they are to seeking first the kingdom of God. So, the church, or that deserving community ministry, lacks faithful workers -- because we give only lip service to the things of God. Our hearts are more interested in the pursuit of pleasure.

We humans are so good at messing things up. Of course, God wants us to be devoted, to be committed to our families. But haven't we all seen believers who frequently take weekends away from church? Who put other things as priority before ministry? Who say there's not time for witnessing, they need to put their priorities on quality time with the children/spouse/family? Are they (or are we) communicating to our kids (or to anyone who is watching our Christian walk) that it's ok for many things to shove the work of the kingdom aside . . . but it's not ok, is it? 

No.

Being busy with the world can get in the way of our work for Him. Being enamored with the world is not ok. And the solution is to become more enamored, more energized by being with the Lord. When He becomes our delight, the things of the world fade away - there's just no comparison. 

but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and who meditates on his law day and night. (Psalm 1:2)

"I'd rather have Jesus than houses or land; I'd rather be true to His nail-pierced hand...."

The problem is not in our enjoyment of pleasures. The problem is when we focus too much on the pleasures of this world. We need to pursue pleasure in the only source for true pleasure: in our Savior.

You make known to me the path of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence,
    with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalm 16:11)

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

"The things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace."