WEBVTT 00:00:01.000 --> 00:00:08.000 Well, would you please take your Bibles this morning and open them up one last time to the book of Psalms for the summer school is back in session. 00:00:08.560 --> 00:00:17.280 The boys are back in school, which means we are preparing to depart from the Psalms once more and we'll be somewhere else next week. 00:00:17.379 --> 00:00:21.740 But one more Sunday this morning in the book of Psalms, Psalm chapter 39. 00:00:22.539 --> 00:00:25.699 If you don't have a Bible of your own, you can use one in the seat back nearby. 00:00:26.019 --> 00:00:28.440 We provide those for you to make it easy for you. 00:00:28.440 --> 00:00:30.380 But you do need a Bible open. 00:00:30.480 --> 00:00:34.079 I want you to have your eyes on God's word even as you hear it from my mouth. 00:00:34.260 --> 00:00:40.100 So Psalm chapter 39, when you've found that, let's stand in honor of the reading of God's word this morning. 00:00:49.659 --> 00:00:50.960 This is the Psalm of David. 00:00:51.079 --> 00:00:55.380 He says, I said, I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue. 00:00:55.380 --> 00:00:58.159 I will guard my mouth with a muzzle. 00:00:58.439 --> 00:01:00.379 So long as the wicked are in my presence. 00:01:01.059 --> 00:01:03.019 I was mute and silent. 00:01:03.199 --> 00:01:07.060 I held my peace to no avail and my distress grew worse. 00:01:07.340 --> 00:01:09.359 My heart became hot within me. 00:01:09.599 --> 00:01:13.280 As I mused, the fire burned and then I spoke with my tongue. 00:01:14.479 --> 00:01:16.200 Oh Lord, make me know my end. 00:01:16.859 --> 00:01:18.500 And what is the measure of my days? 00:01:19.219 --> 00:01:21.420 Let me know how fleeting I am. 00:01:21.420 --> 00:01:25.320 Behold, you have made my days a few hand breaths. 00:01:25.780 --> 00:01:28.180 And my lifetime is as nothing before you. 00:01:29.200 --> 00:01:31.879 Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath. 00:01:32.980 --> 00:01:34.780 Surely a man goes about as a shadow. 00:01:35.420 --> 00:01:37.280 Surely for nothing they are in turmoil. 00:01:38.000 --> 00:01:40.700 Man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather. 00:01:40.700 --> 00:01:43.920 And now, oh Lord, for what do I wait? 00:01:44.540 --> 00:01:45.840 My hope is in you. 00:01:46.600 --> 00:01:48.799 Deliver me from all my transgressions. 00:01:49.379 --> 00:01:51.379 Do not make me the scorn of the fool. 00:01:52.200 --> 00:01:52.920 I am mute. 00:01:53.140 --> 00:01:54.359 I do not open my mouth. 00:01:54.560 --> 00:01:56.260 For it is you who have done it. 00:01:57.079 --> 00:01:58.600 Remove your stroke from me. 00:01:59.020 --> 00:02:01.460 I am spent by the hostility of your hand. 00:02:01.459 --> 00:02:04.500 When you discipline a man with rebukes for sin, 00:02:04.759 --> 00:02:07.359 you consume like a moth what is dear to him. 00:02:08.180 --> 00:02:11.120 Surely all mankind is a mere breath. 00:02:12.539 --> 00:02:15.000 Hear my prayer, oh Lord, and give ear to my cry. 00:02:15.379 --> 00:02:17.439 Hold not your peace at my tears. 00:02:17.859 --> 00:02:21.479 For I am a sojourner with you, a guest like all my fathers. 00:02:22.259 --> 00:02:27.240 Look away from me that I may smile again before I depart and am no more. 00:02:27.240 --> 00:02:32.960 The grass withers and the flower fades, but the word of the Lord endures forever. 00:02:33.379 --> 00:02:37.320 Father God, we pray once more, would you speak through the preaching of your word? 00:02:37.420 --> 00:02:40.760 Would you show us Christ and draw our hearts to him in faith? 00:02:40.879 --> 00:02:41.800 We pray in Jesus' name. 00:02:42.540 --> 00:02:42.820 Amen. 00:02:44.000 --> 00:02:44.939 You may be seated. 00:02:47.180 --> 00:02:49.600 I love to hear missionary stories, 00:02:49.860 --> 00:02:54.840 and I was reminded this week of the story of the missionary C.T. Stud. 00:02:55.540 --> 00:02:57.000 C.T. Stud. 00:02:57.240 --> 00:03:03.260 He was a missionary back in the 1800s. 00:03:03.320 --> 00:03:04.980 He had just about everything going for him. 00:03:05.180 --> 00:03:07.520 He was born into a wealthy family. 00:03:08.480 --> 00:03:11.080 He quickly became a star cricket player 00:03:11.080 --> 00:03:17.340 and was world-renowned for one of the best cricket players in the British Empire. 00:03:17.960 --> 00:03:23.860 But when he heard the gospel and put his faith in Jesus at the age of 18, 00:03:23.860 --> 00:03:26.540 everything changed for C.T. Stud. 00:03:26.540 --> 00:03:28.120 His priorities changed. 00:03:28.120 --> 00:03:33.260 His perspective on what a successful life looked like changed. 00:03:33.300 --> 00:03:36.400 His vision of life and success changed. 00:03:36.780 --> 00:03:39.040 And he was one of what we call the Cambridge Seven, 00:03:39.420 --> 00:03:46.260 who left behind their elite status to go and follow Hudson Taylor to China as missionaries in 1885. 00:03:46.259 --> 00:03:49.599 The life that C.T. Stud. 00:03:50.280 --> 00:03:54.939 chose is worlds apart from the life that he left and the life that he could have had. 00:03:55.879 --> 00:03:57.459 And just to give you an example of this, 00:03:57.539 --> 00:03:59.419 two years later in 1887, 00:03:59.419 --> 00:04:04.500 he received an inheritance in the sum of $125,000, 00:04:05.060 --> 00:04:08.659 which in today's money doesn't seem like that can buy too much, right? 00:04:08.659 --> 00:04:13.460 But in today's economy, that would be well over $4 million today. 00:04:15.099 --> 00:04:16.699 And what did C.T. Stud do? 00:04:16.839 --> 00:04:22.199 He gave most of it away for the cause of missions and the spread of the gospel. 00:04:22.839 --> 00:04:26.680 He gave away this successful future, this promising life, 00:04:26.800 --> 00:04:29.740 in order to face all sorts of struggles overseas. 00:04:29.740 --> 00:04:31.300 He faced chronic asthma. 00:04:31.659 --> 00:04:33.759 He lived in poverty. 00:04:34.060 --> 00:04:36.360 He dealt with heart issues and disease. 00:04:36.360 --> 00:04:39.199 He ate a diet that was mostly just wet rice. 00:04:39.840 --> 00:04:43.060 And he and his wife were constantly sick, constantly ill. 00:04:43.319 --> 00:04:46.139 They had to send their children back over to England. 00:04:46.340 --> 00:04:49.780 They lived separated from them so that they could have a good education there. 00:04:50.540 --> 00:04:53.639 They voluntarily lived in hostile climates, 00:04:53.759 --> 00:04:56.080 in hostile territories, with hostile people, 00:04:56.759 --> 00:04:58.379 and houses made out of mud. 00:04:58.480 --> 00:05:02.800 It was a far cry from the life of luxury that could have been for C.T. Stud. 00:05:02.800 --> 00:05:07.460 And you wonder, what in the world can motivate someone to live like that? 00:05:09.600 --> 00:05:13.520 C.T. wrote a poem at the end of his life in 1931. 00:05:13.740 --> 00:05:17.660 By this time, he was in the Congo, again, doing mission work. 00:05:17.759 --> 00:05:20.420 He was battling the illness that would eventually take him out. 00:05:21.420 --> 00:05:26.720 And in this poem is the constant refrain that helps us understand his motivation. 00:05:26.720 --> 00:05:28.140 He says this, 00:05:29.140 --> 00:05:33.100 Only one life will soon be passed. 00:05:33.880 --> 00:05:36.680 Only what's done for Christ will last. 00:05:38.280 --> 00:05:41.780 Only one life will soon be passed. 00:05:42.600 --> 00:05:46.000 Only what's done for Christ will last. 00:05:46.520 --> 00:05:52.780 C.T. had learned the lesson that David asked God to teach him here in Psalm 39. 00:05:52.779 --> 00:05:57.779 He learned the bad news that life here in a fallen world is hard. 00:05:58.539 --> 00:06:00.019 And we experience this, don't we? 00:06:00.339 --> 00:06:01.679 And we deal with issues. 00:06:01.899 --> 00:06:02.759 We deal with stress. 00:06:02.879 --> 00:06:04.119 We deal with sickness. 00:06:04.399 --> 00:06:05.439 We deal with sacrifice. 00:06:05.859 --> 00:06:07.959 The life in a fallen world is hard, 00:06:08.239 --> 00:06:10.459 especially if you want to live faithfully to Christ. 00:06:10.979 --> 00:06:15.199 But he also learned the good news that this present life, 00:06:15.279 --> 00:06:16.399 with all of its hardship, 00:06:16.759 --> 00:06:18.099 with all of its suffering, 00:06:18.399 --> 00:06:20.039 with all of this weight of sin, 00:06:20.040 --> 00:06:24.520 and this present life is a passing moment in the scheme of eternity. 00:06:25.240 --> 00:06:26.379 Soon and very soon, 00:06:26.660 --> 00:06:29.660 our God will come and transform this world, 00:06:29.860 --> 00:06:33.200 and we who know Christ will be with him forever. 00:06:34.160 --> 00:06:38.980 Church, that truth ought to shape the way that we go about our lives here and now. 00:06:39.120 --> 00:06:39.360 Amen? 00:06:41.660 --> 00:06:43.160 David, here in Psalm 39, 00:06:43.560 --> 00:06:48.280 he is dealing with the weight and the difficulty of living in a fallen world. 00:06:48.279 --> 00:06:53.239 He's dealing with some of these same tensions that you and I deal with here in a fallen world. 00:06:53.459 --> 00:06:57.179 And he gives us three strategies for life in a fallen world. 00:06:57.279 --> 00:06:58.899 This will be our outline if you're taking notes. 00:06:59.059 --> 00:07:03.219 Three strategies for life in a fallen world. 00:07:03.359 --> 00:07:05.239 The first strategy he gives us, 00:07:06.179 --> 00:07:08.000 guard your tongue. 00:07:09.579 --> 00:07:11.479 Guard your tongue. 00:07:12.519 --> 00:07:13.819 Look there with me to verse 1. 00:07:13.939 --> 00:07:16.279 Here, it's like David is having a flashback. 00:07:16.279 --> 00:07:19.179 He's remembering a time of intense suffering. 00:07:19.319 --> 00:07:21.279 We don't know exactly what was going on here. 00:07:21.399 --> 00:07:24.759 It could be when Saul was still occupying the throne, 00:07:25.059 --> 00:07:27.539 and David faced intense persecution then. 00:07:27.619 --> 00:07:31.619 It could be when his own son Absalom rebelled against him. 00:07:31.699 --> 00:07:34.739 You could draw from a number of instances in David's life. 00:07:35.099 --> 00:07:36.839 But David is thinking back, 00:07:37.359 --> 00:07:39.500 and he's recalling this time of suffering, 00:07:39.839 --> 00:07:43.119 and he remembers a commitment that he made to himself. 00:07:43.279 --> 00:07:44.019 Look there at verse 1. 00:07:44.019 --> 00:07:45.719 He says, 00:07:46.339 --> 00:07:46.799 I said, 00:07:47.060 --> 00:07:50.879 I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue. 00:07:51.639 --> 00:07:53.939 And I will guard my mouth with a muzzle, 00:07:54.659 --> 00:07:56.819 so long as the wicked are in my presence. 00:07:57.859 --> 00:08:00.000 David commits in this moment of suffering 00:08:00.000 --> 00:08:03.599 to keep a close guard on his tongue. 00:08:03.680 --> 00:08:05.479 And he gives us two clear reasons why. 00:08:05.579 --> 00:08:06.299 They're in verse 1. 00:08:06.379 --> 00:08:07.719 The first reason, for one, 00:08:08.099 --> 00:08:09.479 and maybe the most obvious reason, 00:08:09.480 --> 00:08:11.939 he says he's going to guard his tongue, 00:08:12.340 --> 00:08:13.259 guard his ways, 00:08:13.520 --> 00:08:15.939 so that he doesn't sin with his tongue. 00:08:17.120 --> 00:08:19.759 Now David hits on something very important here, 00:08:19.800 --> 00:08:20.240 doesn't he? 00:08:20.980 --> 00:08:25.259 He understands how easy it is for us to sin with our speech. 00:08:26.860 --> 00:08:30.819 David understands that our words have incredible power, 00:08:30.980 --> 00:08:33.519 more power than any weapon on the earth. 00:08:33.519 --> 00:08:36.740 Our words can build up or they can tear down. 00:08:37.539 --> 00:08:40.419 Our words can lead one another into truth, 00:08:40.500 --> 00:08:44.120 or they can lead one another into destruction and deception. 00:08:44.899 --> 00:08:48.720 Our words can make someone feel like they are worthy, 00:08:49.079 --> 00:08:50.639 and like they can just go do anything. 00:08:50.899 --> 00:08:53.579 We can build one another up and encourage one another in that way, 00:08:53.639 --> 00:08:56.220 or our words can make one another feel worthless, 00:08:56.439 --> 00:08:57.559 and like we can't do anything. 00:08:57.559 --> 00:09:03.419 Our tongues, our words can speak in ways that honor the Lord, 00:09:03.479 --> 00:09:04.679 as they were made to do, 00:09:04.799 --> 00:09:08.059 or they can speak in ways that dishonor the Lord, 00:09:08.099 --> 00:09:11.719 as we often do here on this side of the fall. 00:09:12.299 --> 00:09:13.759 Church, when we're pressed, 00:09:13.879 --> 00:09:15.599 and when we're under distress, 00:09:15.819 --> 00:09:16.599 when we're suffering, 00:09:16.799 --> 00:09:19.039 I think it's an all-too-common occurrence 00:09:19.039 --> 00:09:23.479 that we fail to keep a guard over our mouth, 00:09:23.539 --> 00:09:23.919 don't we? 00:09:25.099 --> 00:09:26.259 And we're tempted to grumble, 00:09:26.259 --> 00:09:28.299 and to complain when we don't get our way. 00:09:28.419 --> 00:09:30.159 We're tempted to speak foolishly, 00:09:30.240 --> 00:09:31.100 and to speak quickly, 00:09:31.240 --> 00:09:32.319 and to speak rashly. 00:09:32.559 --> 00:09:34.460 Do we realize that like David, 00:09:34.600 --> 00:09:36.659 we don't have to say everything that we think? 00:09:38.539 --> 00:09:40.039 You can, like David, 00:09:40.179 --> 00:09:43.299 put a metaphorical muzzle over your mouth 00:09:43.299 --> 00:09:45.840 if you're worried that something might come out sinfully, 00:09:46.100 --> 00:09:47.100 if you don't. 00:09:47.220 --> 00:09:48.419 You know, this is wise. 00:09:48.539 --> 00:09:51.100 This is practical wisdom here for living in a fallen world. 00:09:51.100 --> 00:09:53.379 We ought to, as God's people, 00:09:53.759 --> 00:09:56.800 be very careful with our words. 00:09:57.480 --> 00:09:59.379 In the New Testament, the book of James, 00:09:59.460 --> 00:10:01.040 he says something very similar, doesn't he? 00:10:01.080 --> 00:10:02.700 In James chapter 3, 00:10:03.460 --> 00:10:04.000 he says, 00:10:04.180 --> 00:10:07.519 how great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire. 00:10:07.620 --> 00:10:08.740 He's talking about your tongue. 00:10:09.659 --> 00:10:11.200 The tongue is a fire, 00:10:11.740 --> 00:10:13.860 a world of unrighteousness. 00:10:14.600 --> 00:10:16.480 The tongue is set among our members, 00:10:16.480 --> 00:10:18.139 staining the whole body, 00:10:18.560 --> 00:10:20.980 setting on fire the entire course of life, 00:10:21.060 --> 00:10:22.879 and set on fire by hell. 00:10:23.940 --> 00:10:25.779 For every kind of beast and bird, 00:10:25.899 --> 00:10:27.340 of reptile and sea creature, 00:10:27.600 --> 00:10:29.980 can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 00:10:30.440 --> 00:10:31.240 But listen to this. 00:10:31.519 --> 00:10:34.220 But no human being can tame the tongue. 00:10:35.139 --> 00:10:36.600 It is a restless evil, 00:10:37.340 --> 00:10:38.740 full of deadly poison. 00:10:39.600 --> 00:10:41.560 With it we bless our Lord and Father, 00:10:41.560 --> 00:10:42.860 and with it we curse people 00:10:42.860 --> 00:10:44.600 who are made in the likeness of God. 00:10:44.600 --> 00:10:46.840 From the same mouth come blessing 00:10:46.840 --> 00:10:47.940 and cursing. 00:10:48.220 --> 00:10:48.680 My brothers, 00:10:48.779 --> 00:10:51.000 these things ought not to be so. 00:10:51.080 --> 00:10:53.340 Have you experienced this in your own life? 00:10:54.879 --> 00:10:57.360 Do you ever wrestle with what comes out of your mouth? 00:10:58.740 --> 00:11:00.920 You wish you didn't say that thing that you just said? 00:11:03.060 --> 00:11:06.200 David knows he is in danger of sinning with his tongue. 00:11:06.279 --> 00:11:07.019 And so he says, 00:11:07.120 --> 00:11:08.720 I'm going to keep silent. 00:11:08.820 --> 00:11:11.160 It is better for him and for us, church, 00:11:11.159 --> 00:11:14.699 to suffer in silence rather than for us to speak 00:11:14.699 --> 00:11:16.860 and to sin against the Lord with our tongue. 00:11:17.620 --> 00:11:18.819 That's the first reason. 00:11:19.879 --> 00:11:20.819 The second reason, 00:11:21.679 --> 00:11:24.639 he says he will guard his mouth with a muzzle 00:11:24.639 --> 00:11:27.459 because he is in the presence of the wicked. 00:11:28.120 --> 00:11:29.059 See that in verse 1. 00:11:29.699 --> 00:11:30.879 Now think about that for a minute. 00:11:32.299 --> 00:11:35.639 This is God-centered wisdom here for David. 00:11:35.779 --> 00:11:37.679 Why does he not want to speak sinfully? 00:11:37.679 --> 00:11:40.519 He says that he is in the presence of the wicked. 00:11:40.639 --> 00:11:42.000 Well, why does that matter? 00:11:42.699 --> 00:11:45.339 It's because he does not want to give the wicked 00:11:45.339 --> 00:11:49.500 any reason to rob God of the glory that he's due. 00:11:51.179 --> 00:11:53.539 David's not just thinking about himself 00:11:53.539 --> 00:11:55.079 and defending himself 00:11:55.079 --> 00:11:59.120 and speaking that word that he's talking back 00:11:59.120 --> 00:12:00.839 and speaking against those accusations 00:12:00.839 --> 00:12:01.839 that are coming against him. 00:12:01.979 --> 00:12:03.679 He's not just speaking about himself, 00:12:04.439 --> 00:12:05.419 thinking about himself. 00:12:05.419 --> 00:12:09.379 He is thinking ultimately about the glory of God. 00:12:09.579 --> 00:12:11.279 What would these wicked people say 00:12:11.279 --> 00:12:15.259 if they heard God's anointed covenant king 00:12:15.259 --> 00:12:17.360 just grumbling and whining about his life? 00:12:19.579 --> 00:12:20.919 What would they say 00:12:20.919 --> 00:12:24.279 if they hear God's anointed king 00:12:24.279 --> 00:12:27.079 complaining about what God has brought into his life 00:12:27.079 --> 00:12:28.279 by his hand of providence? 00:12:29.079 --> 00:12:31.779 You can imagine how they'd run wild with that. 00:12:31.860 --> 00:12:33.219 What would they say about God? 00:12:33.220 --> 00:12:35.680 How would David's foolish words 00:12:35.680 --> 00:12:38.200 commend God's goodness to the wicked? 00:12:40.000 --> 00:12:42.639 We have to realize that God's opponents, 00:12:42.960 --> 00:12:46.680 even if we don't think that they care at all 00:12:46.680 --> 00:12:50.460 about what we say when we are in our best day 00:12:50.460 --> 00:12:52.399 talking about the goodness of God, 00:12:52.600 --> 00:12:54.560 we can be sure that they are listening 00:12:54.560 --> 00:12:55.800 when we grumble and complain. 00:12:55.799 --> 00:12:59.779 And they will take that and run wild with that 00:12:59.779 --> 00:13:03.120 to rob God of the glory that he's due. 00:13:03.699 --> 00:13:05.699 David is resolved, as we should be, 00:13:05.839 --> 00:13:11.179 to only speak in ways that magnify the glory of God 00:13:11.179 --> 00:13:13.000 in the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:13:13.139 --> 00:13:14.500 Church, I confess to you, 00:13:14.819 --> 00:13:16.259 this is incredibly difficult. 00:13:17.259 --> 00:13:18.039 Isn't it? 00:13:19.159 --> 00:13:20.659 Am I alone in that? 00:13:20.659 --> 00:13:22.919 Church, I confess, 00:13:23.059 --> 00:13:25.360 I think about the ways this week, 00:13:25.439 --> 00:13:27.159 and you take inventory of this week, 00:13:27.240 --> 00:13:29.959 the ways that I have spoken to my family, 00:13:30.480 --> 00:13:31.799 to others around me, 00:13:31.879 --> 00:13:34.639 the words that I thought that I should speak in my head, 00:13:34.719 --> 00:13:36.519 but it's hard to rein it back in. 00:13:36.679 --> 00:13:38.459 This is incredibly hard. 00:13:39.000 --> 00:13:41.319 But church, God will give you grace. 00:13:41.320 --> 00:13:45.280 You can speak in ways that honor the Lord. 00:13:46.780 --> 00:13:48.600 I want you to try it with me this week 00:13:48.600 --> 00:13:50.879 as we look ahead to Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. 00:13:51.320 --> 00:13:53.760 Take inventory of your speech. 00:13:54.220 --> 00:13:56.560 Speak carefully and intentionally 00:13:56.560 --> 00:13:59.300 to only speak in ways 00:13:59.300 --> 00:14:01.400 that magnify the glory of God. 00:14:01.480 --> 00:14:03.040 And church, would you pray for his help? 00:14:03.100 --> 00:14:03.940 Because we need it. 00:14:05.600 --> 00:14:08.600 David is determined to muzzle his mouth, 00:14:08.700 --> 00:14:10.180 but we see in verse 2, 00:14:10.179 --> 00:14:12.399 that determination only lasts so long, doesn't it? 00:14:13.479 --> 00:14:14.339 Verse 2, he says, 00:14:14.399 --> 00:14:16.439 I was mute and silent, 00:14:16.639 --> 00:14:19.099 but I held my peace to no avail. 00:14:19.339 --> 00:14:21.019 My distress grew worse. 00:14:21.099 --> 00:14:23.019 My heart became hot within me, 00:14:23.099 --> 00:14:25.399 and I mused, and the fire burned. 00:14:25.479 --> 00:14:26.359 It's like this image. 00:14:26.500 --> 00:14:28.079 You see an image of a volcano here? 00:14:29.259 --> 00:14:33.099 It is bubbling and gurgling under the surface. 00:14:33.219 --> 00:14:35.579 You've probably felt this very thing before. 00:14:35.679 --> 00:14:37.019 In your mind, you're telling yourself, 00:14:37.179 --> 00:14:38.039 don't say it. 00:14:38.399 --> 00:14:39.159 Don't say it. 00:14:39.159 --> 00:14:40.539 Don't say it, right? 00:14:40.819 --> 00:14:42.699 And you can cover up your mouth if you want, 00:14:43.379 --> 00:14:44.519 but at some point, 00:14:44.639 --> 00:14:47.000 that just kind of burst its way out. 00:14:47.679 --> 00:14:49.199 And there's no getting it back. 00:14:50.459 --> 00:14:52.579 It's rumbling here inside of David. 00:14:52.579 --> 00:14:54.039 It's hot like fire, 00:14:54.179 --> 00:14:55.459 and then he speaks, 00:14:55.579 --> 00:14:57.360 but it may surprise you to see 00:14:57.360 --> 00:14:59.539 what he says and who he says it to. 00:14:59.539 --> 00:15:05.059 He doesn't speak horizontally to the wicked at all, 00:15:05.120 --> 00:15:05.459 does he? 00:15:06.299 --> 00:15:07.919 He doesn't lash out at them. 00:15:08.000 --> 00:15:09.159 No, when he speaks, 00:15:09.419 --> 00:15:10.839 he speaks vertically, 00:15:11.219 --> 00:15:12.539 directly to God. 00:15:13.179 --> 00:15:15.599 And what he says to God may surprise you. 00:15:15.759 --> 00:15:17.480 He doesn't complain about the wicked. 00:15:17.819 --> 00:15:19.699 He doesn't wish evil on them even, 00:15:19.819 --> 00:15:20.879 not at this point. 00:15:20.879 --> 00:15:21.720 Rather, 00:15:22.039 --> 00:15:26.299 he asks God to give him the grace of a new perspective. 00:15:27.500 --> 00:15:29.720 This is the second strategy here. 00:15:30.759 --> 00:15:31.159 Second, 00:15:32.240 --> 00:15:34.379 measure your days. 00:15:35.840 --> 00:15:37.779 Measure your days. 00:15:37.899 --> 00:15:39.439 What does David pray in verse four? 00:15:39.539 --> 00:15:40.159 Look there with me. 00:15:41.519 --> 00:15:41.960 He says, 00:15:41.960 --> 00:15:42.660 Oh Lord, 00:15:43.060 --> 00:15:45.519 make me know my end. 00:15:46.639 --> 00:15:48.860 And what is the measure of my days? 00:15:49.600 --> 00:15:53.100 Let me know how fleeting I am. 00:15:53.160 --> 00:15:54.800 Now that is a strange prayer, 00:15:54.940 --> 00:15:55.600 isn't it? 00:15:57.280 --> 00:16:03.720 David wants to know how long he has to endure life in this fallen world. 00:16:05.060 --> 00:16:05.379 God, 00:16:05.500 --> 00:16:06.940 when will all this be over? 00:16:08.280 --> 00:16:10.040 How long do I have? 00:16:10.039 --> 00:16:12.919 Are we talking about one year of this suffering here? 00:16:13.019 --> 00:16:14.219 Are we talking about two years? 00:16:14.299 --> 00:16:15.299 Are we talking about 20? 00:16:15.620 --> 00:16:16.579 Are we talking about 30? 00:16:16.679 --> 00:16:17.419 What is it? 00:16:17.899 --> 00:16:20.259 If I can maybe see the light at the end of the tunnel here, 00:16:20.339 --> 00:16:22.480 maybe I can press on a little bit further. 00:16:22.799 --> 00:16:24.919 He asks God to show him, 00:16:25.019 --> 00:16:26.839 to impress upon his heart, 00:16:27.139 --> 00:16:30.819 the reality of how short life really is. 00:16:32.399 --> 00:16:32.759 He says, 00:16:32.839 --> 00:16:33.139 Behold, 00:16:33.199 --> 00:16:35.699 you have made my days a few hand breaths. 00:16:35.860 --> 00:16:36.919 You know what a hand breath is? 00:16:37.379 --> 00:16:38.599 You look at your hand. 00:16:38.600 --> 00:16:41.879 A hand breath is the width of your hand, 00:16:41.980 --> 00:16:43.159 the four fingers across. 00:16:44.420 --> 00:16:46.240 Everybody has different size hands. 00:16:46.379 --> 00:16:47.759 Some of your hands are bigger than others. 00:16:48.040 --> 00:16:49.300 When you shake Treg's hand, 00:16:49.379 --> 00:16:50.360 your hand gets lost. 00:16:51.320 --> 00:16:52.720 You hold somebody else's hand, 00:16:52.740 --> 00:16:53.480 a baby's hand, 00:16:53.519 --> 00:16:55.180 you realize how small that hand is. 00:16:55.680 --> 00:16:56.480 When David says, 00:16:56.740 --> 00:16:59.600 it's just a few hand breaths stacked together, 00:16:59.759 --> 00:17:02.300 you realize how short that really is, 00:17:02.340 --> 00:17:02.680 don't you? 00:17:02.679 --> 00:17:08.039 David says his days are just a few hand breaths. 00:17:08.119 --> 00:17:08.359 He says, 00:17:08.460 --> 00:17:10.639 My lifetime is as nothing before you. 00:17:12.019 --> 00:17:15.559 Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath. 00:17:15.639 --> 00:17:18.399 He speaks like we read in Ecclesiastes, 00:17:18.599 --> 00:17:19.039 doesn't he? 00:17:19.579 --> 00:17:20.779 Vanity of vanities. 00:17:21.440 --> 00:17:22.619 All is vanity. 00:17:22.779 --> 00:17:25.119 This life is short as a breath. 00:17:25.119 --> 00:17:27.659 How many breaths have you taken this morning? 00:17:28.919 --> 00:17:30.099 Do you think about your next breath? 00:17:30.179 --> 00:17:30.939 You breathe in. 00:17:32.099 --> 00:17:33.739 You hold it as long as you can. 00:17:33.839 --> 00:17:34.579 You breathe out. 00:17:36.919 --> 00:17:39.719 David says in comparison with eternity, 00:17:40.500 --> 00:17:43.779 in comparison with our infinite God, 00:17:44.279 --> 00:17:47.019 who has no beginning and has no end, 00:17:47.159 --> 00:17:49.759 as long as our life may seem here, 00:17:50.079 --> 00:17:51.739 especially in times of suffering, 00:17:51.740 --> 00:17:54.180 it seems like we can't even get to the next day. 00:17:55.099 --> 00:17:59.440 David says this life is just a mere breath. 00:18:01.259 --> 00:18:03.099 The fact is, church, 00:18:03.420 --> 00:18:06.579 you and I will not live forever. 00:18:09.339 --> 00:18:12.460 I don't want to be overly morbid with you this morning. 00:18:13.120 --> 00:18:14.960 You and I will not live forever. 00:18:16.059 --> 00:18:19.420 You are not guaranteed to make it to the end of this sermon. 00:18:21.740 --> 00:18:23.839 You are not guaranteed to come back here next week. 00:18:25.299 --> 00:18:27.700 You are not guaranteed to leave here and go to lunch. 00:18:28.620 --> 00:18:31.319 You don't know how long you have. 00:18:32.279 --> 00:18:34.620 And again, when you zoom out of your present life 00:18:34.620 --> 00:18:36.359 and you look in the scheme of eternity, 00:18:36.720 --> 00:18:38.339 what is this life? 00:18:38.380 --> 00:18:40.620 If you have 70, 80, 90 years, 00:18:40.700 --> 00:18:42.200 my grandmother is about to turn 99. 00:18:42.740 --> 00:18:44.380 That's an old life, right? 00:18:44.700 --> 00:18:45.599 Long life. 00:18:45.859 --> 00:18:47.099 Not in the scheme of eternity. 00:18:47.579 --> 00:18:48.279 It's a breath. 00:18:49.200 --> 00:18:50.039 And it's gone. 00:18:50.039 --> 00:18:53.639 How would it change things for you 00:18:53.639 --> 00:18:58.159 to think and to know how short your time really is? 00:18:58.500 --> 00:19:00.559 Church, there is wisdom to be gained 00:19:00.559 --> 00:19:01.799 from measuring your days. 00:19:03.440 --> 00:19:08.339 Now, depending on where you stand with the Lord, 00:19:09.619 --> 00:19:12.399 you're going to hear that fact very differently, aren't you? 00:19:13.379 --> 00:19:15.899 You're going to hear that truth very differently. 00:19:15.900 --> 00:19:19.160 The non-believer, those who are outside of Christ, 00:19:19.280 --> 00:19:21.560 those who have not put their faith in Christ, 00:19:21.980 --> 00:19:24.380 they cannot take comfort in this. 00:19:25.759 --> 00:19:27.920 The perspective of the non-believer is, 00:19:28.180 --> 00:19:29.740 well, you only live once, right? 00:19:29.820 --> 00:19:31.500 So eat and drink and be merry, 00:19:31.580 --> 00:19:32.680 for tomorrow you die. 00:19:32.800 --> 00:19:34.120 You live it up. 00:19:34.240 --> 00:19:36.240 And all you have is this life. 00:19:36.320 --> 00:19:37.320 It's this short window 00:19:37.320 --> 00:19:40.280 to have as much pleasure as you can in this life. 00:19:40.320 --> 00:19:41.140 And then it's done. 00:19:41.140 --> 00:19:44.380 There's no hope beyond the grave for the non-believer. 00:19:44.640 --> 00:19:47.200 So you gather up as much wealth as you can 00:19:47.200 --> 00:19:49.700 and you enjoy as much pleasure as you can. 00:19:49.800 --> 00:19:52.040 You go see and you go do as much as you can. 00:19:52.120 --> 00:19:54.040 You have a bucket list that you want to check off 00:19:54.040 --> 00:19:55.380 before you kick the bucket. 00:19:57.320 --> 00:19:59.840 The non-believer hears this reminder 00:19:59.840 --> 00:20:01.800 how short life is, 00:20:01.880 --> 00:20:03.640 how brief our time is, 00:20:03.640 --> 00:20:06.940 and that response in their heart is one of fear. 00:20:07.300 --> 00:20:08.600 Don't talk to me about that. 00:20:09.840 --> 00:20:12.920 They respond with this urgency to live it up 00:20:12.920 --> 00:20:14.400 before the bell rings, 00:20:15.040 --> 00:20:16.920 before the believer. 00:20:18.460 --> 00:20:21.500 The shortness of our time here, church, 00:20:21.600 --> 00:20:24.460 is a great comfort for us. 00:20:25.759 --> 00:20:27.080 David is like a runner. 00:20:27.380 --> 00:20:29.520 He's running and he's rounding the turn 00:20:29.520 --> 00:20:30.900 and the people around him are shouting, 00:20:30.900 --> 00:20:32.380 there's just one more lap. 00:20:32.440 --> 00:20:33.180 You got this. 00:20:33.640 --> 00:20:34.860 You can do this. 00:20:34.880 --> 00:20:36.640 And he's yelling at them saying, 00:20:36.780 --> 00:20:38.280 well, tell me how much longer I have. 00:20:38.360 --> 00:20:40.420 How much more do I have to endure? 00:20:41.120 --> 00:20:43.480 When can my lungs get a break 00:20:43.480 --> 00:20:44.860 and get some oxygen here? 00:20:46.140 --> 00:20:47.980 For David and for the believer, 00:20:48.120 --> 00:20:50.600 the shortness of our life gives us hope. 00:20:50.720 --> 00:20:53.080 We are looking forwards to a time 00:20:53.080 --> 00:20:55.820 when we no longer have to deal with suffering. 00:20:56.740 --> 00:20:59.560 When we no longer have to deal with the wicked men 00:20:59.560 --> 00:21:01.020 and their schemes against us. 00:21:01.020 --> 00:21:03.380 We no longer have to deal with our own sin 00:21:03.380 --> 00:21:05.580 and the discipline of God in our life. 00:21:05.720 --> 00:21:08.260 We don't have to muzzle our mouths anymore 00:21:08.260 --> 00:21:10.780 because we won't have to worry about something sinful 00:21:10.780 --> 00:21:11.640 coming out of it. 00:21:12.140 --> 00:21:14.400 We won't have to worry about how the wicked men around us 00:21:14.400 --> 00:21:15.460 will take what we say. 00:21:16.120 --> 00:21:17.000 For the Christian, 00:21:17.160 --> 00:21:18.740 the shortness of this life 00:21:18.740 --> 00:21:21.420 is a great comfort ahead of us. 00:21:21.800 --> 00:21:24.320 I've shared before about our friend Holly, 00:21:24.720 --> 00:21:26.580 who is now with the Lord. 00:21:26.800 --> 00:21:27.520 You all remember Holly? 00:21:27.519 --> 00:21:30.019 But before she died, 00:21:30.119 --> 00:21:32.799 she was in the hospital very sick 00:21:32.799 --> 00:21:34.240 and I went to go speak with her 00:21:34.240 --> 00:21:36.619 and we read scripture together 00:21:36.619 --> 00:21:38.420 and we prayed together 00:21:38.420 --> 00:21:40.900 and we talked about death together 00:21:40.900 --> 00:21:42.839 and because she is a Christian, 00:21:43.039 --> 00:21:44.980 we talked about what lay ahead of her 00:21:44.980 --> 00:21:46.180 after her death. 00:21:46.579 --> 00:21:47.180 And afterwards, 00:21:47.359 --> 00:21:48.559 I think I've shared this with you before, 00:21:48.720 --> 00:21:50.379 I bumped into the doctor 00:21:50.379 --> 00:21:52.680 who was there in the room with us 00:21:52.680 --> 00:21:53.160 and he said, 00:21:53.580 --> 00:21:53.860 you know, 00:21:54.080 --> 00:21:57.500 we try not to use that D word too often around here. 00:21:58.400 --> 00:22:00.100 Makes people a little bit uncomfortable. 00:22:01.640 --> 00:22:02.320 And I said, 00:22:02.380 --> 00:22:02.640 sir, 00:22:04.120 --> 00:22:05.480 Miss Holly is a Christian 00:22:05.480 --> 00:22:09.400 and she is not afraid of death. 00:22:10.519 --> 00:22:12.240 We talk about death all the time. 00:22:12.320 --> 00:22:12.960 You come to our church, 00:22:13.039 --> 00:22:13.240 come on, 00:22:13.299 --> 00:22:14.580 we'll tell you about death, right? 00:22:14.880 --> 00:22:16.320 And we'll tell you about the hope 00:22:16.320 --> 00:22:19.060 that God's people have beyond the grave. 00:22:19.160 --> 00:22:20.840 It's not an enemy for us anymore. 00:22:21.600 --> 00:22:22.580 Christ has risen. 00:22:22.680 --> 00:22:23.600 from the grave. 00:22:25.039 --> 00:22:26.120 So for us, 00:22:26.200 --> 00:22:26.700 for her, 00:22:26.860 --> 00:22:27.420 for David, 00:22:27.820 --> 00:22:29.740 death is not the end of her joy. 00:22:29.880 --> 00:22:31.580 It's the end of her suffering. 00:22:31.799 --> 00:22:34.200 It's not the exit from her best days. 00:22:34.360 --> 00:22:36.820 It is the entrance to her best days 00:22:36.820 --> 00:22:38.120 in the presence of God 00:22:38.120 --> 00:22:39.299 for the rest of eternity. 00:22:40.980 --> 00:22:42.620 The believer hears this reminder. 00:22:42.779 --> 00:22:43.799 This life is short. 00:22:44.660 --> 00:22:45.759 This life is short. 00:22:46.680 --> 00:22:47.759 And they take heart 00:22:47.759 --> 00:22:48.640 that this light 00:22:48.640 --> 00:22:50.580 and momentary affliction 00:22:50.580 --> 00:22:52.380 is preparing for you 00:22:52.380 --> 00:22:54.820 an eternal weight of glory 00:22:54.820 --> 00:22:56.700 beyond all comparison 00:22:56.700 --> 00:22:58.460 as we look not to the things 00:22:58.460 --> 00:22:59.220 that are seen 00:22:59.220 --> 00:23:00.740 which are hard, right? 00:23:01.220 --> 00:23:02.460 As we look not to the things 00:23:02.460 --> 00:23:03.020 that are seen 00:23:03.020 --> 00:23:04.700 which are painful in the present, 00:23:04.840 --> 00:23:05.700 but to the things 00:23:05.700 --> 00:23:07.020 that are unseen 00:23:07.020 --> 00:23:09.000 that God has in store for us 00:23:09.000 --> 00:23:09.840 in glory. 00:23:10.320 --> 00:23:10.520 Church, 00:23:10.660 --> 00:23:12.940 this is the key to endurance. 00:23:12.940 --> 00:23:15.320 And this is the key 00:23:15.320 --> 00:23:16.920 to faithful obedience 00:23:16.920 --> 00:23:17.920 in this life. 00:23:18.160 --> 00:23:19.080 Do you need the strength 00:23:19.080 --> 00:23:20.620 to endure a little suffering 00:23:20.620 --> 00:23:21.259 here and now? 00:23:22.640 --> 00:23:23.180 Remember, 00:23:23.340 --> 00:23:24.519 this life is short. 00:23:24.900 --> 00:23:26.860 Christ is coming soon. 00:23:28.039 --> 00:23:29.160 And do you need motivation 00:23:29.160 --> 00:23:30.380 to keep on running 00:23:30.380 --> 00:23:31.380 faithfully, 00:23:31.519 --> 00:23:32.140 to obey, 00:23:32.940 --> 00:23:33.840 to lay it all out 00:23:33.840 --> 00:23:34.559 and run the race 00:23:34.559 --> 00:23:35.600 that's set before you? 00:23:35.720 --> 00:23:36.220 Christian, 00:23:36.340 --> 00:23:36.759 remember, 00:23:36.880 --> 00:23:38.279 this life is short. 00:23:38.279 --> 00:23:40.759 Christ is coming soon. 00:23:41.220 --> 00:23:42.240 Only one life 00:23:42.240 --> 00:23:43.480 will soon be passed. 00:23:43.899 --> 00:23:44.899 Only what's done 00:23:44.899 --> 00:23:46.639 for Christ will last. 00:23:46.940 --> 00:23:47.200 Church, 00:23:47.279 --> 00:23:48.359 the good news of the gospel 00:23:48.359 --> 00:23:50.740 is that Jesus Christ 00:23:50.740 --> 00:23:52.139 has conquered the grave 00:23:52.139 --> 00:23:54.299 to give us hope 00:23:54.299 --> 00:23:56.259 beyond our suffering. 00:23:57.660 --> 00:23:57.940 And so, 00:23:58.059 --> 00:23:58.839 it's because of this 00:23:58.839 --> 00:23:59.680 that we respond 00:23:59.680 --> 00:24:00.319 third, 00:24:00.519 --> 00:24:01.240 like David, 00:24:01.759 --> 00:24:03.019 third strategy here, 00:24:03.019 --> 00:24:05.779 by hoping in God. 00:24:05.879 --> 00:24:06.940 This is the third strategy 00:24:06.940 --> 00:24:07.639 he gives us 00:24:07.639 --> 00:24:09.480 for life in a fallen world. 00:24:09.599 --> 00:24:09.960 He says, 00:24:10.299 --> 00:24:12.460 hope in God. 00:24:14.220 --> 00:24:15.599 David says in verse 7, 00:24:15.740 --> 00:24:16.559 And now, O Lord, 00:24:16.619 --> 00:24:17.779 for what do I wait? 00:24:18.819 --> 00:24:20.920 My hope is in you. 00:24:21.980 --> 00:24:23.299 My hope is in you. 00:24:23.460 --> 00:24:24.559 And so he prays. 00:24:24.579 --> 00:24:25.019 He prays, 00:24:25.259 --> 00:24:26.160 deliver me from 00:24:26.160 --> 00:24:28.500 all my transgressions. 00:24:28.500 --> 00:24:28.660 Now, 00:24:28.740 --> 00:24:29.980 notice how he starts there. 00:24:31.099 --> 00:24:32.220 Notice how he starts there. 00:24:32.220 --> 00:24:32.660 Yes, 00:24:32.740 --> 00:24:34.360 there are external enemies. 00:24:34.500 --> 00:24:35.500 There always are. 00:24:35.799 --> 00:24:36.900 But David realizes 00:24:36.900 --> 00:24:38.380 he is a sinner 00:24:38.380 --> 00:24:39.539 in need of deliverance. 00:24:40.360 --> 00:24:40.700 Yes, 00:24:40.779 --> 00:24:41.579 there are wicked men 00:24:41.579 --> 00:24:42.240 around him. 00:24:42.279 --> 00:24:43.400 But David recognizes 00:24:43.400 --> 00:24:44.640 the first enemy 00:24:44.640 --> 00:24:45.559 he's got to deal with 00:24:45.559 --> 00:24:46.680 is his own sin. 00:24:48.120 --> 00:24:49.279 He has fallen short 00:24:49.279 --> 00:24:50.299 of the glory of God. 00:24:50.980 --> 00:24:52.120 He needs deliverance 00:24:52.120 --> 00:24:53.059 from his own sin. 00:24:53.160 --> 00:24:53.600 And Christian, 00:24:53.700 --> 00:24:54.339 I ask you, 00:24:54.680 --> 00:24:56.120 when is the last time 00:24:56.120 --> 00:24:57.680 you called out to God 00:24:57.680 --> 00:24:58.480 for deliverance 00:24:58.480 --> 00:24:59.160 from your sin? 00:25:00.920 --> 00:25:01.400 Nonbeliever, 00:25:01.400 --> 00:25:02.740 that may be the first time 00:25:02.740 --> 00:25:03.920 you call out to God 00:25:03.920 --> 00:25:04.580 for deliverance 00:25:04.580 --> 00:25:05.280 from your sin. 00:25:05.580 --> 00:25:06.820 Do you groan 00:25:06.820 --> 00:25:07.860 as you wait 00:25:07.860 --> 00:25:08.500 for the redemption 00:25:08.500 --> 00:25:09.340 of your bodies? 00:25:10.660 --> 00:25:11.780 Do you long 00:25:11.780 --> 00:25:12.660 to be freed 00:25:12.660 --> 00:25:13.540 from this body 00:25:13.540 --> 00:25:14.420 of death 00:25:14.420 --> 00:25:15.000 with all its 00:25:15.000 --> 00:25:16.680 sin-twisted desires 00:25:16.680 --> 00:25:17.320 and thoughts 00:25:17.320 --> 00:25:18.160 that come streaming 00:25:18.160 --> 00:25:18.880 out of your mouth? 00:25:20.400 --> 00:25:21.060 Do you long 00:25:21.060 --> 00:25:21.740 to be freed 00:25:21.740 --> 00:25:22.519 from a time 00:25:22.519 --> 00:25:23.560 when you have 00:25:23.560 --> 00:25:24.960 to muzzle your mouth 00:25:24.960 --> 00:25:25.620 so you don't have 00:25:25.620 --> 00:25:26.900 to pour out wickedness? 00:25:27.220 --> 00:25:28.720 Call out to him, 00:25:28.720 --> 00:25:29.019 God, 00:25:29.059 --> 00:25:29.779 would you deliver 00:25:29.779 --> 00:25:30.600 me from evil? 00:25:32.480 --> 00:25:33.480 David prays, 00:25:34.079 --> 00:25:34.799 do not make me 00:25:34.799 --> 00:25:35.620 the scorn 00:25:35.620 --> 00:25:37.180 of the fool. 00:25:38.019 --> 00:25:38.500 God, 00:25:38.579 --> 00:25:39.120 keep me 00:25:39.120 --> 00:25:40.360 from being the fool. 00:25:41.559 --> 00:25:41.799 God, 00:25:41.860 --> 00:25:42.200 keep me 00:25:42.200 --> 00:25:43.059 from the foolishness 00:25:43.059 --> 00:25:44.039 of other wicked men. 00:25:44.200 --> 00:25:44.600 Keep me 00:25:44.600 --> 00:25:45.980 from earning scorn 00:25:45.980 --> 00:25:46.559 from others 00:25:46.559 --> 00:25:47.600 and thereby leading 00:25:47.600 --> 00:25:48.839 them to scorn you. 00:25:49.220 --> 00:25:49.519 Church, 00:25:49.579 --> 00:25:50.120 do you pray, 00:25:50.620 --> 00:25:50.779 Lord, 00:25:50.900 --> 00:25:51.299 keep me 00:25:51.299 --> 00:25:52.079 from temptation? 00:25:54.799 --> 00:25:55.519 Keep me 00:25:55.519 --> 00:25:56.220 from wandering 00:25:56.220 --> 00:25:57.600 into foolishness, 00:25:57.599 --> 00:25:58.599 not for my sake, 00:25:58.659 --> 00:25:59.599 but for your sake, 00:25:59.699 --> 00:25:59.879 God, 00:25:59.939 --> 00:26:01.379 not for my reputation, 00:26:01.579 --> 00:26:02.859 but for your reputation, 00:26:03.019 --> 00:26:03.959 not for my glory, 00:26:04.059 --> 00:26:05.339 but for your glory, 00:26:05.399 --> 00:26:05.919 for the praise 00:26:05.919 --> 00:26:06.899 of your name. 00:26:08.819 --> 00:26:09.599 He prays, 00:26:09.639 --> 00:26:09.839 God, 00:26:09.879 --> 00:26:11.299 would you remove 00:26:11.299 --> 00:26:12.519 your hand of discipline 00:26:12.519 --> 00:26:13.679 from me? 00:26:15.039 --> 00:26:16.019 He gives another reason 00:26:16.019 --> 00:26:16.879 for his silence 00:26:16.879 --> 00:26:17.699 there in verse 9. 00:26:17.759 --> 00:26:18.119 You see it? 00:26:19.019 --> 00:26:19.379 He says, 00:26:19.459 --> 00:26:20.259 I am mute. 00:26:20.879 --> 00:26:21.659 I do not open 00:26:21.659 --> 00:26:22.259 my mouth, 00:26:22.259 --> 00:26:24.259 for it is you 00:26:24.259 --> 00:26:25.799 who have done it. 00:26:25.799 --> 00:26:27.839 He sees this 00:26:27.839 --> 00:26:28.659 suffering 00:26:28.659 --> 00:26:29.680 and this affliction 00:26:29.680 --> 00:26:30.599 ultimately 00:26:30.599 --> 00:26:31.720 as the discipline 00:26:31.720 --> 00:26:32.519 of God. 00:26:33.460 --> 00:26:34.240 And so he prays, 00:26:34.440 --> 00:26:34.579 God, 00:26:34.659 --> 00:26:35.220 would you remove 00:26:35.220 --> 00:26:36.159 your hand of discipline 00:26:36.159 --> 00:26:36.779 from me? 00:26:36.879 --> 00:26:37.779 Remove your stroke 00:26:37.779 --> 00:26:38.379 from me. 00:26:38.940 --> 00:26:39.720 I am spent 00:26:39.720 --> 00:26:40.539 by the hostility 00:26:40.539 --> 00:26:41.279 of your hand. 00:26:42.099 --> 00:26:42.859 When you discipline 00:26:42.859 --> 00:26:43.899 a man with rebukes 00:26:43.899 --> 00:26:44.399 for sin, 00:26:44.480 --> 00:26:44.859 he says, 00:26:44.919 --> 00:26:45.759 you can assume 00:26:45.759 --> 00:26:46.599 like a moth 00:26:46.599 --> 00:26:47.680 what is dear to him. 00:26:48.639 --> 00:26:49.899 Surely all mankind 00:26:49.899 --> 00:26:52.119 is a mere breath. 00:26:52.119 --> 00:26:55.559 When God's children 00:26:55.559 --> 00:26:58.159 find themselves 00:26:58.159 --> 00:26:59.259 running after 00:26:59.259 --> 00:27:00.779 false gods 00:27:00.779 --> 00:27:03.739 and setting their hearts 00:27:03.739 --> 00:27:05.139 on the joys 00:27:05.139 --> 00:27:06.399 of this life 00:27:06.399 --> 00:27:07.219 ultimately 00:27:07.219 --> 00:27:08.939 and not on the Lord 00:27:08.939 --> 00:27:09.539 ultimately, 00:27:09.679 --> 00:27:10.199 guess what God 00:27:10.199 --> 00:27:11.119 is kind enough to do? 00:27:12.119 --> 00:27:13.699 He is kind enough 00:27:13.699 --> 00:27:15.019 to take it away. 00:27:16.599 --> 00:27:17.459 David says, 00:27:17.659 --> 00:27:18.419 God has consumed 00:27:18.419 --> 00:27:19.539 like a moth 00:27:19.539 --> 00:27:20.719 what is dear to him. 00:27:20.720 --> 00:27:22.240 This is the severe, 00:27:23.140 --> 00:27:23.680 merciful, 00:27:24.180 --> 00:27:24.900 hard, 00:27:25.019 --> 00:27:26.360 but loving discipline 00:27:26.360 --> 00:27:27.140 of our God. 00:27:27.279 --> 00:27:28.000 He does this 00:27:28.000 --> 00:27:29.120 not to us 00:27:29.120 --> 00:27:29.980 to afflict us 00:27:29.980 --> 00:27:31.339 but for us 00:27:31.339 --> 00:27:32.380 to train us 00:27:32.380 --> 00:27:33.180 to train our hearts 00:27:33.180 --> 00:27:34.240 to love him 00:27:34.240 --> 00:27:35.860 and to delight ourselves 00:27:35.860 --> 00:27:36.539 into him 00:27:36.539 --> 00:27:38.180 and not the cotton candy 00:27:38.180 --> 00:27:39.440 pleasures of this life. 00:27:42.039 --> 00:27:43.140 We should ask, 00:27:43.259 --> 00:27:43.500 friend, 00:27:43.620 --> 00:27:44.480 is there anything 00:27:44.480 --> 00:27:45.480 in your life 00:27:45.480 --> 00:27:47.720 that your heart 00:27:47.720 --> 00:27:49.319 is so consumed with 00:27:49.319 --> 00:27:51.619 that if God 00:27:51.619 --> 00:27:52.279 were to 00:27:52.279 --> 00:27:53.119 eat it up 00:27:53.119 --> 00:27:53.799 like a moth 00:27:53.799 --> 00:27:55.559 you would just 00:27:55.559 --> 00:27:56.679 be completely undone? 00:27:59.079 --> 00:28:00.119 Ask it another way. 00:28:01.019 --> 00:28:02.119 Is there anything 00:28:02.119 --> 00:28:03.460 that without it 00:28:03.460 --> 00:28:04.500 life would not 00:28:04.500 --> 00:28:05.339 be worth living? 00:28:07.339 --> 00:28:08.659 If you can find 00:28:08.659 --> 00:28:09.159 an answer 00:28:09.159 --> 00:28:09.939 to those questions 00:28:09.939 --> 00:28:10.740 that's not rooted 00:28:10.740 --> 00:28:11.500 in the Lord, 00:28:11.659 --> 00:28:12.500 you may have just 00:28:12.500 --> 00:28:13.639 identified an idol 00:28:13.639 --> 00:28:14.500 in your heart 00:28:14.500 --> 00:28:15.799 and it's wise 00:28:15.799 --> 00:28:16.460 for you to pray 00:28:16.460 --> 00:28:17.039 with David, 00:28:17.140 --> 00:28:17.319 God, 00:28:17.359 --> 00:28:18.279 would you deliver me 00:28:18.279 --> 00:28:19.759 from my own sin 00:28:19.759 --> 00:28:20.819 and then remove 00:28:20.819 --> 00:28:21.859 your hand of discipline 00:28:21.859 --> 00:28:22.619 from me 00:28:22.619 --> 00:28:23.859 that I might delight 00:28:23.859 --> 00:28:24.660 in you 00:28:24.660 --> 00:28:25.480 and then rightly 00:28:25.480 --> 00:28:26.859 enjoy your good gifts? 00:28:29.240 --> 00:28:29.880 Augustine, 00:28:30.279 --> 00:28:31.240 he says, 00:28:31.339 --> 00:28:32.720 our heart is restless 00:28:32.720 --> 00:28:33.900 until it finds 00:28:33.900 --> 00:28:35.319 its rest in thee. 00:28:35.859 --> 00:28:36.880 David prays 00:28:36.880 --> 00:28:37.839 for relief 00:28:37.839 --> 00:28:38.920 but look at this. 00:28:40.000 --> 00:28:41.000 David also prays 00:28:41.000 --> 00:28:41.559 for joy. 00:28:42.559 --> 00:28:43.279 Look at verse 12. 00:28:44.500 --> 00:28:44.819 He says, 00:28:44.900 --> 00:28:45.660 hear my prayer, 00:28:45.759 --> 00:28:46.140 O Lord, 00:28:46.180 --> 00:28:46.920 and give ear 00:28:46.920 --> 00:28:47.839 to my cry. 00:28:48.240 --> 00:28:49.460 Hold not your peace 00:28:49.460 --> 00:28:50.279 at my tears 00:28:50.279 --> 00:28:51.759 for I am a sojourner 00:28:51.759 --> 00:28:52.299 with you. 00:28:53.000 --> 00:28:53.819 I am a guest 00:28:53.819 --> 00:28:55.079 like all my fathers. 00:28:55.440 --> 00:28:56.480 Look away from me 00:28:56.480 --> 00:28:58.640 that I may smile again 00:28:58.640 --> 00:28:59.920 before I depart 00:28:59.920 --> 00:29:01.279 and am no more. 00:29:02.640 --> 00:29:03.140 In other words, 00:29:03.180 --> 00:29:03.599 he says, 00:29:03.799 --> 00:29:06.000 I don't belong here. 00:29:07.259 --> 00:29:08.680 I'm a sojourner. 00:29:08.759 --> 00:29:09.480 I'm a citizen 00:29:09.480 --> 00:29:10.880 of the kingdom of God. 00:29:11.740 --> 00:29:12.680 I'm not like 00:29:12.680 --> 00:29:13.819 these wicked men 00:29:13.819 --> 00:29:15.279 whose entire life 00:29:15.279 --> 00:29:16.659 and whose entire identity 00:29:16.659 --> 00:29:18.019 is right here, 00:29:18.139 --> 00:29:19.319 whose entire treasure 00:29:19.319 --> 00:29:19.919 is here 00:29:19.919 --> 00:29:21.039 and things that rust 00:29:21.039 --> 00:29:21.720 and fade. 00:29:21.939 --> 00:29:22.740 I am headed 00:29:22.740 --> 00:29:23.819 for the kingdom 00:29:23.819 --> 00:29:25.980 but even so, 00:29:26.139 --> 00:29:26.339 God, 00:29:26.399 --> 00:29:27.779 would you relieve me 00:29:27.779 --> 00:29:28.439 of this hand 00:29:28.439 --> 00:29:29.059 of discipline 00:29:29.059 --> 00:29:30.139 so that I can have 00:29:30.139 --> 00:29:30.819 some joy 00:29:30.819 --> 00:29:31.399 here and now 00:29:31.399 --> 00:29:32.299 before I die? 00:29:34.139 --> 00:29:35.500 It's not a bad thing 00:29:35.500 --> 00:29:36.379 to pray like that, 00:29:36.460 --> 00:29:36.759 church. 00:29:37.960 --> 00:29:38.879 It is true, 00:29:39.019 --> 00:29:39.279 yes, 00:29:39.279 --> 00:29:40.119 we will suffer. 00:29:40.299 --> 00:29:41.339 It's also true 00:29:41.339 --> 00:29:42.839 there is much joy 00:29:42.839 --> 00:29:43.480 to be had 00:29:43.480 --> 00:29:44.220 here and now. 00:29:45.720 --> 00:29:46.279 It's true 00:29:46.279 --> 00:29:46.940 that our treasure 00:29:46.940 --> 00:29:47.639 is in heaven 00:29:47.639 --> 00:29:48.920 but it's also true, 00:29:49.019 --> 00:29:49.440 guess what, 00:29:49.660 --> 00:29:50.940 we can enjoy 00:29:50.940 --> 00:29:52.420 in right perspective, 00:29:53.259 --> 00:29:54.259 we can enjoy 00:29:54.259 --> 00:29:55.759 God's gifts to us 00:29:55.759 --> 00:29:57.019 here and now. 00:29:57.099 --> 00:29:57.680 It's true, 00:29:57.799 --> 00:29:58.119 yes, 00:29:58.500 --> 00:29:59.079 this world 00:29:59.079 --> 00:30:00.119 is quickly passing, 00:30:00.779 --> 00:30:01.339 this life 00:30:01.339 --> 00:30:02.480 will soon be passed 00:30:02.480 --> 00:30:04.259 but it is also true 00:30:04.259 --> 00:30:05.299 that when we have 00:30:05.299 --> 00:30:06.660 this eternal perspective 00:30:06.660 --> 00:30:07.840 and when our hope 00:30:07.840 --> 00:30:08.700 is in him, 00:30:09.019 --> 00:30:11.100 we of all people 00:30:11.100 --> 00:30:12.300 ought to be marked 00:30:12.300 --> 00:30:14.560 by unshakable joy 00:30:14.560 --> 00:30:15.500 in this life. 00:30:17.279 --> 00:30:18.640 That sort of hope, 00:30:18.920 --> 00:30:19.220 church, 00:30:20.380 --> 00:30:21.460 that sort of joy, 00:30:22.040 --> 00:30:23.680 that is compelling. 00:30:25.360 --> 00:30:26.900 How do we explain 00:30:26.900 --> 00:30:27.700 a joy 00:30:27.700 --> 00:30:29.100 and a satisfaction 00:30:29.100 --> 00:30:30.840 that is not anchored 00:30:30.840 --> 00:30:31.960 to our circumstances 00:30:31.960 --> 00:30:32.519 in life? 00:30:32.519 --> 00:30:35.559 How can we explain 00:30:35.559 --> 00:30:37.559 a heart satisfaction 00:30:37.559 --> 00:30:38.859 that doesn't get rattled 00:30:38.859 --> 00:30:39.940 when things get rough 00:30:39.940 --> 00:30:40.500 in your life? 00:30:40.980 --> 00:30:41.960 That demands 00:30:41.960 --> 00:30:42.960 an explanation 00:30:42.960 --> 00:30:44.799 and when the non-believing world 00:30:44.799 --> 00:30:46.220 sees that in you, 00:30:46.440 --> 00:30:47.579 you have the opportunity 00:30:47.579 --> 00:30:48.079 to say, 00:30:48.400 --> 00:30:49.519 I have this joy 00:30:49.519 --> 00:30:50.579 because I have set 00:30:50.579 --> 00:30:52.039 my hope in Jesus 00:30:52.039 --> 00:30:54.480 because it is only 00:30:54.480 --> 00:30:55.599 in Jesus 00:30:55.599 --> 00:30:57.559 that this prayer 00:30:57.559 --> 00:30:59.779 of verses 7 through 13 00:30:59.779 --> 00:31:00.740 can be prayed 00:31:00.740 --> 00:31:01.960 with confidence. 00:31:02.519 --> 00:31:05.319 It is Jesus 00:31:05.319 --> 00:31:05.839 who, 00:31:06.740 --> 00:31:07.400 like David, 00:31:07.619 --> 00:31:08.619 silenced his mouth 00:31:08.619 --> 00:31:09.279 in the presence 00:31:09.279 --> 00:31:10.240 of the wicked, 00:31:10.480 --> 00:31:10.639 who, 00:31:11.539 --> 00:31:12.099 like a lamb 00:31:12.099 --> 00:31:13.460 before its shearers 00:31:13.460 --> 00:31:14.099 was silent, 00:31:14.259 --> 00:31:15.599 so he opened 00:31:15.599 --> 00:31:16.639 not his mouth, 00:31:16.779 --> 00:31:18.779 who did not take vengeance 00:31:18.779 --> 00:31:19.900 into his own hands 00:31:19.900 --> 00:31:21.220 but entrusted himself 00:31:21.220 --> 00:31:22.680 completely to the Lord, 00:31:22.740 --> 00:31:23.519 not looking at 00:31:23.519 --> 00:31:25.139 the temporary relief 00:31:25.139 --> 00:31:26.019 from his suffering 00:31:26.019 --> 00:31:27.299 but at the eternal 00:31:27.299 --> 00:31:28.680 weight of glory 00:31:28.680 --> 00:31:29.559 that lay beyond. 00:31:31.039 --> 00:31:31.680 It is Jesus 00:31:31.680 --> 00:31:34.000 who knew all too well 00:31:34.000 --> 00:31:34.860 the shortness 00:31:34.860 --> 00:31:35.660 and the frailty 00:31:35.660 --> 00:31:36.560 of this life 00:31:36.560 --> 00:31:37.620 whose earthly life 00:31:37.620 --> 00:31:38.460 was cut short 00:31:38.460 --> 00:31:39.640 at age 33. 00:31:39.840 --> 00:31:39.960 You know, 00:31:40.000 --> 00:31:40.539 we would call that 00:31:40.539 --> 00:31:41.740 a tragically short life, 00:31:41.799 --> 00:31:42.100 wouldn't we? 00:31:43.539 --> 00:31:44.740 Just a breath 00:31:44.740 --> 00:31:47.980 but it was no tragic accident. 00:31:48.180 --> 00:31:50.120 This was the eternal plan 00:31:50.120 --> 00:31:50.720 of God 00:31:50.720 --> 00:31:52.440 to redeem us 00:31:52.440 --> 00:31:54.120 from the vanity of life 00:31:54.120 --> 00:31:55.099 and the struggle 00:31:55.099 --> 00:31:55.960 of a life 00:31:55.960 --> 00:31:56.859 in a fallen world. 00:31:57.539 --> 00:31:58.099 Friend, 00:31:58.140 --> 00:31:59.559 if you want to be lifted 00:31:59.559 --> 00:32:00.779 out of despair, 00:32:02.059 --> 00:32:03.680 out of the hopelessness 00:32:03.680 --> 00:32:04.740 and the struggle 00:32:04.740 --> 00:32:06.460 of living in a fallen world, 00:32:06.680 --> 00:32:08.200 the only hope 00:32:08.200 --> 00:32:09.079 is to look 00:32:09.079 --> 00:32:09.880 to Jesus 00:32:09.880 --> 00:32:12.160 and to call out 00:32:12.160 --> 00:32:12.660 to him 00:32:12.660 --> 00:32:14.240 and to trust 00:32:14.240 --> 00:32:14.880 in him 00:32:14.880 --> 00:32:16.040 and to delight 00:32:16.040 --> 00:32:17.120 yourself in him 00:32:17.120 --> 00:32:18.400 and to look forward 00:32:18.400 --> 00:32:19.000 to the day 00:32:19.000 --> 00:32:19.840 when he will come 00:32:19.840 --> 00:32:21.200 again to transform 00:32:21.200 --> 00:32:22.220 this world 00:32:22.220 --> 00:32:23.400 and usher in 00:32:23.400 --> 00:32:24.340 the age to come. 00:32:24.400 --> 00:32:24.700 He says, 00:32:24.800 --> 00:32:25.200 behold, 00:32:25.400 --> 00:32:26.280 I am making 00:32:26.280 --> 00:32:28.340 all things new. 00:32:28.540 --> 00:32:29.460 In that day 00:32:29.460 --> 00:32:30.320 he will not ignore 00:32:30.320 --> 00:32:31.040 our tears. 00:32:32.080 --> 00:32:33.500 He will wipe away 00:32:33.500 --> 00:32:34.520 every one of them 00:32:34.520 --> 00:32:35.820 from our eyes. 00:32:35.960 --> 00:32:36.040 Friend, 00:32:36.100 --> 00:32:36.580 that day 00:32:36.580 --> 00:32:37.820 is coming soon. 00:32:37.819 --> 00:32:39.659 That day 00:32:39.659 --> 00:32:40.519 is coming soon. 00:32:41.419 --> 00:32:42.859 And then we will see 00:32:42.859 --> 00:32:43.879 just how light 00:32:43.879 --> 00:32:45.159 and momentary 00:32:45.159 --> 00:32:46.819 this present affliction is. 00:32:48.179 --> 00:32:49.579 How worth it 00:32:49.579 --> 00:32:51.619 faithfully suffering 00:32:51.619 --> 00:32:52.879 for his glory was. 00:32:54.919 --> 00:32:56.000 I referenced the poem 00:32:56.000 --> 00:32:57.460 from C.T. Studd 00:32:57.460 --> 00:32:58.220 and I think it's worth 00:32:58.220 --> 00:32:59.519 hearing in full 00:32:59.519 --> 00:33:00.519 as we close. 00:33:02.799 --> 00:33:03.659 He writes, 00:33:03.759 --> 00:33:04.579 two little lines 00:33:04.579 --> 00:33:05.539 I heard one day 00:33:05.539 --> 00:33:06.539 traveling along 00:33:06.539 --> 00:33:07.759 life's busy way. 00:33:07.819 --> 00:33:08.819 bringing conviction 00:33:08.819 --> 00:33:09.819 to my heart 00:33:09.819 --> 00:33:11.079 and from my mind 00:33:11.079 --> 00:33:12.039 would not depart. 00:33:12.619 --> 00:33:13.720 Only one life 00:33:13.720 --> 00:33:14.919 will soon be passed. 00:33:15.299 --> 00:33:16.259 Only what's done 00:33:16.259 --> 00:33:17.539 for Christ will last. 00:33:18.039 --> 00:33:19.079 Only one life, 00:33:19.200 --> 00:33:19.359 yes, 00:33:19.439 --> 00:33:20.159 only one. 00:33:21.039 --> 00:33:21.919 Soon will its fleeting 00:33:21.919 --> 00:33:22.879 hours be done. 00:33:23.559 --> 00:33:24.500 Then in that day 00:33:24.500 --> 00:33:25.619 my Lord to meet 00:33:25.619 --> 00:33:26.259 and stand 00:33:26.259 --> 00:33:28.019 before his judgment seat. 00:33:28.799 --> 00:33:29.740 Only one life 00:33:29.740 --> 00:33:30.899 will soon be passed. 00:33:31.599 --> 00:33:32.460 Only what's done 00:33:32.460 --> 00:33:33.759 for Christ will last. 00:33:34.740 --> 00:33:35.639 Only one life 00:33:35.640 --> 00:33:36.920 the still small voice 00:33:36.920 --> 00:33:37.920 gently pleads 00:33:37.920 --> 00:33:39.060 for a better choice. 00:33:39.960 --> 00:33:41.160 Bidding me selfish aims 00:33:41.160 --> 00:33:41.900 to leave 00:33:41.900 --> 00:33:43.060 and to God's 00:33:43.060 --> 00:33:43.740 holy will 00:33:43.740 --> 00:33:44.460 to cleave. 00:33:45.080 --> 00:33:46.080 Only one life 00:33:46.080 --> 00:33:47.220 will soon be passed. 00:33:47.860 --> 00:33:48.680 Only what's done 00:33:48.680 --> 00:33:49.240 for Christ 00:33:49.240 --> 00:33:49.920 will last. 00:33:50.800 --> 00:33:51.780 Only one life 00:33:51.780 --> 00:33:53.180 a few brief years. 00:33:53.860 --> 00:33:54.860 Each with its burdens, 00:33:55.040 --> 00:33:55.259 hopes, 00:33:55.360 --> 00:33:55.900 and fears. 00:33:56.700 --> 00:33:57.740 Each with its clays 00:33:57.740 --> 00:33:58.780 I must fulfill 00:33:58.780 --> 00:33:59.900 living for self 00:33:59.900 --> 00:34:00.759 or in his will. 00:34:01.560 --> 00:34:02.700 Only one life 00:34:02.700 --> 00:34:03.860 will soon be passed. 00:34:03.859 --> 00:34:05.439 Only what's done 00:34:05.439 --> 00:34:06.019 for Christ 00:34:06.019 --> 00:34:06.740 will last. 00:34:07.599 --> 00:34:08.699 When this bright world 00:34:08.699 --> 00:34:09.940 would tempt me sore, 00:34:10.179 --> 00:34:11.179 when Satan would 00:34:11.179 --> 00:34:12.319 a victory score, 00:34:12.639 --> 00:34:13.880 when self would 00:34:13.880 --> 00:34:15.219 seek to have its way, 00:34:15.440 --> 00:34:16.319 then help me, 00:34:16.460 --> 00:34:16.579 Lord, 00:34:16.639 --> 00:34:17.739 with joy to say, 00:34:18.059 --> 00:34:19.199 Only one life 00:34:19.199 --> 00:34:20.339 will soon be passed. 00:34:21.000 --> 00:34:22.039 Only what's done 00:34:22.039 --> 00:34:22.639 for Christ 00:34:22.639 --> 00:34:23.339 will last. 00:34:24.440 --> 00:34:24.960 Give me, 00:34:25.119 --> 00:34:25.299 Father, 00:34:25.380 --> 00:34:26.400 a purpose deep. 00:34:27.059 --> 00:34:28.279 In joy or sorrow 00:34:28.279 --> 00:34:29.539 thy word to keep, 00:34:29.940 --> 00:34:31.079 faithful and true 00:34:31.079 --> 00:34:32.400 whatever the strife, 00:34:32.400 --> 00:34:33.500 pleasing thee 00:34:33.500 --> 00:34:34.680 in my daily life, 00:34:35.000 --> 00:34:36.019 only one life 00:34:36.019 --> 00:34:37.099 will soon be passed. 00:34:37.660 --> 00:34:38.599 Only what's done 00:34:38.599 --> 00:34:39.200 for Christ 00:34:39.200 --> 00:34:39.840 will last. 00:34:40.680 --> 00:34:40.940 Oh, 00:34:41.039 --> 00:34:41.900 let my love 00:34:41.900 --> 00:34:43.260 with fervor burn 00:34:43.260 --> 00:34:44.500 and from the world 00:34:44.500 --> 00:34:45.639 now let me turn, 00:34:46.079 --> 00:34:46.860 living for thee 00:34:46.860 --> 00:34:47.639 and thee alone, 00:34:48.000 --> 00:34:49.079 bringing thee pleasure 00:34:49.079 --> 00:34:50.019 on thy throne. 00:34:50.639 --> 00:34:51.740 Only one life 00:34:51.740 --> 00:34:52.880 will soon be passed. 00:34:53.460 --> 00:34:54.360 Only what's done 00:34:54.360 --> 00:34:54.960 for Christ 00:34:54.960 --> 00:34:55.619 will last. 00:34:55.980 --> 00:34:57.000 Only one life, 00:34:57.079 --> 00:34:57.180 yes, 00:34:57.260 --> 00:34:58.000 only one. 00:34:58.200 --> 00:34:59.139 Now let me say 00:34:59.139 --> 00:35:00.240 thy will be done. 00:35:00.239 --> 00:35:01.399 And when at last 00:35:01.399 --> 00:35:02.519 I'll hear the call, 00:35:02.719 --> 00:35:03.799 I know I'll say 00:35:03.799 --> 00:35:05.079 it was worth it all. 00:35:06.119 --> 00:35:07.099 Only one life 00:35:07.099 --> 00:35:08.079 will soon be passed. 00:35:09.019 --> 00:35:10.099 Only what's done 00:35:10.099 --> 00:35:10.639 for Christ 00:35:10.639 --> 00:35:11.299 will last. 00:35:12.539 --> 00:35:13.079 Father, 00:35:13.179 --> 00:35:13.719 we pray, 00:35:14.599 --> 00:35:15.379 would we live 00:35:15.379 --> 00:35:16.159 this life 00:35:16.159 --> 00:35:16.759 in view 00:35:16.759 --> 00:35:17.519 of eternity? 00:35:18.679 --> 00:35:19.979 Would we recognize 00:35:19.979 --> 00:35:20.639 the shortness 00:35:20.639 --> 00:35:21.379 of our days? 00:35:22.179 --> 00:35:23.199 Would you teach us 00:35:23.199 --> 00:35:24.399 to measure our days 00:35:24.399 --> 00:35:25.000 that we may gain 00:35:25.000 --> 00:35:26.099 a heart of wisdom? 00:35:27.199 --> 00:35:27.439 Lord, 00:35:27.479 --> 00:35:28.399 would you show us, 00:35:28.839 --> 00:35:29.000 Father, 00:35:29.000 --> 00:35:29.800 that there is only 00:35:29.800 --> 00:35:30.480 one life 00:35:30.480 --> 00:35:31.760 and it will soon 00:35:31.760 --> 00:35:32.440 be passed. 00:35:32.519 --> 00:35:33.619 Would you motivate us 00:35:33.619 --> 00:35:34.679 and strengthen us 00:35:34.679 --> 00:35:35.699 by your spirit 00:35:35.699 --> 00:35:37.760 to live for ways 00:35:37.760 --> 00:35:38.440 that will last 00:35:38.440 --> 00:35:39.079 into eternity? 00:35:39.420 --> 00:35:40.500 We pray this in Jesus' name. 00:35:41.280 --> 00:35:41.559 Amen. 00:35:41.559 --> 00:35:41.719 Amen.