Psalm 39 - A Psalm of Lament (Disorientation)

by Pastor Paul Dugan

Try entering into lament with this three-part rhythm:

Part 1

Become present to the presence of God:

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” (Psalm 46:10-11)

Pause in silence before God. Practice breathing slowly and deeply. As you inhale, invite the Holy Spirit to fill every part of your being. As you exhale, release any burdens you are carrying into this time of prayer. Repeat this breathing prayer until you have brought your whole self -‘as is’ -before the presence of God.

Optional prayer of approach: “As long as I can remember, sin has had its hooks in me. It burns within; a fire in my lungs- as natural as breathing. Regret is a constant companion; a voice in my dreams; a whisper as I wake… What hope have I but you, Lord? In your mercy you have paid my debt; cast my failures into forgetfulness; healed my brokenness… Lord Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner saved by grace.” (Sheltering Mercy, by Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt: Psalm 39).

Part 2

Slowly read Psalm 39 (NIV) out loud: (for audio versions click here)

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”

Reflect on the psalm:

  • How does the psalmist describe his current trouble?

  • Name the range of emotions expressed in this psalm.

  • What honest questions are asked?

  • What are the pleas? What does the psalmist ask for?

  • How does this psalm give voice to the sufferings of Jesus Christ, who himself prays the psalms with us?

Part 3

Pray your own lament psalm- for yourself, or on behalf of someone who is suffering in your world.

  • Describe the trouble in detail to God.

  • Express your honest emotions: "Lord, I am feeling sad about…; "… angry…; “… afraid…

  • Bring him your honest questions: "Lord, why….?; "How long, Lord, before you…?; "Where are you in…?

  • Make your plea to God: "Please, Lord…; "Remember back when you…; Do it again, Lord!”

The psalms were originally written as lyrics, as prayers set to music. Throughout the history of Israel and the church, the people of God have sung the psalms. Song invites us to internalize the Word of God with the whole self- body, mind, imagination, emotions and desires. Take time to listen to a version of Psalm 39 set to music. Try taking the psalm song with you into your day.

From The Psalms Project, Vol 5 (2022). thepsalmsproject.com