Meditation of the Day

"I said, 'I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle, so long as the wicked are in my presence.'  I was mute and silent; I held my peace to no avail, and my distress grew worse.  My heart became hot within me.  As I mused, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: 'O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!  Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before You.  Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath!  Surely a man goes about as a shadow!  Surely for nothing they are in turmoil; man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!  And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?  My hope is in You.  Deliver me from all my transgressions.  Do not make me the scorn of the fool!  I am mute; I do not open my mouth, for it is You who have done it.  Remove Your stroke from me; I am spent by the hostility of Your hand.  When You discipline a man with rebukes for sin, You consume like a moth who is dear to him; surely all mankind is a mere breath!  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!' " ~ Psalm 39:1-13 ESV