The Daily Office for September 4, 2012
Scripture Readings
Old Testament
Psalm
New Testament
Gospel
Reflection
In Psalm 39 the psalmist promises restraint but fails in his commitment. He then prays to God for divine compassion. This is a very unusual psalm in that the title assigns it to David and indicates that he committed the composition for musical arrangement to a man named Jeduthun, one of the chief musicians in his service. There is not another such dedication in the Psalms. Some scholars believe Jeduthun was one of David’s three musicians, the third after Asaph and Heman
As the psalm opens, David vows circumspection with his tongue. Yet, soon, as he thinks about the situation, his own afflictions, and the wicked who are pursuing him, the commitment to his resolve weakens. Weary of life, he asks to know the number of his days to be assured his trials would soon be over.
By the end, however, David is in tears. Frequently, tears speak more eloquently than a thousand tongues. The sincerity of a tear does not go unnoticed by God. Tearfully then, the psalmist prays, "“Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry; hold not your peace at my tears! For I am a sojourner with you, a guest, like all my fathers. Look away from me, that I may smile again, before I depart and am no more!” David is no longer anxious for death, although he is well aware that death is his lot. Instead, he requests a breathing space, a time of refreshment. This is a gift God freely and graciously gives to each of His children.
Collect for the Day
Almighty God, who called your Church to bear witness that you were in Christ reconciling the world to yourself: help us to proclaim the good news of your love, that all who hear it may be drawn to you; through him who was lifted up on the cross, and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.