Episodes

Sunday Feb 16, 2025
2-16-25 (Barrett Coffman) The Meaningless Psalm
Sunday Feb 16, 2025
Sunday Feb 16, 2025
PSALM 39
For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.
For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.
1 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.”
2 So I remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good. But my anguish increased;
3 my heart grew hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:
4 “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.
5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.
6 “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be.
7 “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.
8 Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools.
9 I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this.
10 Remove your scourge from me; I am overcome by the blow of your hand.
11 When you rebuke and discipline anyone for their sin, you consume their wealth like a moth—surely everyone is but a breath.
12 “Hear my prayer, Lord, listen to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. I dwell with you as a foreigner, a stranger, as all my ancestors were.
13 Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again before I depart and am no more.”
2 So I remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good. But my anguish increased;
3 my heart grew hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:
4 “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.
5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.
6 “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be.
7 “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.
8 Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools.
9 I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this.
10 Remove your scourge from me; I am overcome by the blow of your hand.
11 When you rebuke and discipline anyone for their sin, you consume their wealth like a moth—surely everyone is but a breath.
12 “Hear my prayer, Lord, listen to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. I dwell with you as a foreigner, a stranger, as all my ancestors were.
13 Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again before I depart and am no more.”
FROM THE LESSON
Hevel - a Hebrew word literally meaning "vapor, mist, smoke, or breath." It is translated also translated as "meaningless, vanity, futility, and insignificant." My favorite definition is by a Hebrew professor who described it as "what's left after you break a soap bubble." This word is located in verses 5, 6, and 11.
Amusement - a compound word of two main parts - the heart of the word is "muse" which means to ponder, to meditate upon or to think about. The prefix of the word is the negative "a" which means no or not. So, literally, amusement means "to not think."
David's Conclusions About Life and Meaninglessness:
1 Life is too short to have any meaning
2 Life is too swift to have any meaning.
3 The way we live our too short and too swift lives is meaningless.
Max Lucado Quote - "God loves you just the way you are, however, he loves you too much to leave you that way."
Hevel - a Hebrew word literally meaning "vapor, mist, smoke, or breath." It is translated also translated as "meaningless, vanity, futility, and insignificant." My favorite definition is by a Hebrew professor who described it as "what's left after you break a soap bubble." This word is located in verses 5, 6, and 11.
Amusement - a compound word of two main parts - the heart of the word is "muse" which means to ponder, to meditate upon or to think about. The prefix of the word is the negative "a" which means no or not. So, literally, amusement means "to not think."
David's Conclusions About Life and Meaninglessness:
1 Life is too short to have any meaning
2 Life is too swift to have any meaning.
3 The way we live our too short and too swift lives is meaningless.
Max Lucado Quote - "God loves you just the way you are, however, he loves you too much to leave you that way."
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
ICE BREAKER: What is your favorite form of amusement? What do you do for entertainment? Discuss the connection between amusement and not thinking.
1. Read the first three verses. This is the introduction. David is concerned about talking too soon. He talks to God in prayer before talking to others about what he is thinking. Have you ever struggled with talking too soon? Discuss the principle "pray before you say" with your group.
2. Read verses 4-6. Discuss David's three conclusions about life and meaninglessness in these verses. Which one of the conclusions resonated most with you this morning?
3 Read verses 8-13. Now read the words of Job in Job 7:16-21. Compare the two statements. Can you relate to their sentiments? Attempt to put their thoughts into your own words.
4 Read verse 7. The ESV reads, "And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you." Start living out your hope in Jesus Christ today. Are there any actions you want to take or changes you want to make in your life with Jesus? Is there a neighbor you have talked about inviting to church? Is there a missionary you have always thought about supporting? Have you thought about fasting but have never done it? Start today. Share with your group.
1. Read the first three verses. This is the introduction. David is concerned about talking too soon. He talks to God in prayer before talking to others about what he is thinking. Have you ever struggled with talking too soon? Discuss the principle "pray before you say" with your group.
2. Read verses 4-6. Discuss David's three conclusions about life and meaninglessness in these verses. Which one of the conclusions resonated most with you this morning?
3 Read verses 8-13. Now read the words of Job in Job 7:16-21. Compare the two statements. Can you relate to their sentiments? Attempt to put their thoughts into your own words.
4 Read verse 7. The ESV reads, "And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you." Start living out your hope in Jesus Christ today. Are there any actions you want to take or changes you want to make in your life with Jesus? Is there a neighbor you have talked about inviting to church? Is there a missionary you have always thought about supporting? Have you thought about fasting but have never done it? Start today. Share with your group.
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