Topic: Learning to smile while suffering
Psalm 39 is written to Jeduthun, a temple trumpet player (I Chronicles 16:42). This is thought to be a song of instruction and guidance when faced with suffering.
“From beginning to end a troubled soul speaks to us in this Psalm, a man reaching out for assurance in the face of unanswered questions. But what has brought the psalmist to the end of his tether? It is hard to be sure. Verse 10 would be consistent with severe suffering, though there is really no clue what kind of suffering. Is it physical or mental or both? We hear echoes of Job in the psalm, especially Job 7:16-21.” (“The Vitality of Worship” by Robert Davidson, 130)
A working definition of suffering is the loving use of pain coupled with instruction and nurturing to correct some area of sin, weakness, or immaturity. God allows circumstances (health, finances, and security, etc.) and people (family, friends, or those in authority) to cause suffering in our lives.
When faced with suffering, be silent. Any angry, bitter, and impatient outburst is not productive especially in the presence of the wicked. All too often people who do not believe in God will use their own words to blame God. The best response is to be silent.
Silence also allows the believer to process what God is teaching while in pain. We need to be slow to assume too quickly and slow one’s anger toward the Lord.
When faced with suffering, be honest. Honesty will ask the “why” questions. Honesty will see life for what it is—short. Suffering causes us to think about the end of life. If life is short and futile, the only possible hope for deliverance must come from the Lord. Verse 7 is the turning point as one places hope in the Lord.
The honest response to suffering is a desperate call to God for help such as “it hurts!” But there is a loving purpose behind it and there is an end to the suffering. There is hope because the same hand of God that allows suffering is strong enough to deliver.
When faced with suffering, surrender. Suffering is an instrument God uses to bring one to a point of desperation about living. In verse 12, the writer calls out to God, “Hear my prayer…give ear to my cry…” The point of one crying out to God is to live with the smile of God (verse 13).
The writer of Psalm 39 is teaching Jeduthun that although suffering hurts, God is fair and just. Therefore, trusting God will always bring a smile and make life worth living.
See you Sunday,
Dr. Scott Kallem