In The Bible Today; Psalm 39

The Bible is one of many texts of perennial wisdom. It helps guide us on a spiritual path, to live the fullest life we can achieve during our walk on earth.

The Bible is a timeless text of perennial wisdom. It tells us not only of God and mankind, but it also guides us on our path as spiritual beings in human bodies.

Though the Bible sometimes seems inapproachable and complex, these studies are designed to make the Bible accessible to everyone and applicable to everyday life.

This study uses the SOAP technique: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer. As you read through and study the bible, and a verse sticks out to you, write it down. Then write down your personal observations regarding the scripture, along with historical notations and any other pertinent information. After you make a thorough observation of the scripture, meditate on how you might apply the lesson learned to your own life. How can you use this particular verse to improve your life or make your spiritual journey better? Finally, write out a prayer to God, as you think about the scripture.

This technique will help you find more meaning from your study of scripture, and will help deepen your walk along a spiritual path.

Namaste Friends.

Scripture: Psalm 39: 4-6: "4. Lord, make me know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. 5. Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreath; and mine age is as nothing before thee:verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah. 6. Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them." King James Version

Scripture: Psalm 39: 4-6: "4. Show me, Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. 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." New International Version

Scripture: Psalm 39: 4-6 "4. Lord, let me know my [life’s] end, And [to appreciate] the extent of my days; Let me know how frail I am [how transient is my stay here]. 5 Behold, You have made my days as [short as] hand widths, And my lifetime is as nothing in Your sight. Surely every man at his best is a mere breath [a wisp of smoke, a vapor that vanishes]! Selah. 6 Surely every man walks around like a shadow [in a charade]; Surely they make an uproar for nothing; Each one builds up riches, not knowing who will receive them." Amplified Bible

Observation: Life is short. Seventy years, eighty if you're strong, according to scripture.

In our youth, we think we hold eternity in our hands. We can't wait to surpass each approaching milestone; graduation, college, job, marriage, family... We don't have time to enjoy where we are, there is no time. We constantly strive to reach the next goal, and the next, until one day, we wake up, realizing that this is life. Suddenly, it seems far too short.

At what age do we realize that life is precious? Some people never do, and that is the message of today's verses. They strive every day, bustling about in vain. They work and save and compete with the neighbors, only to drop dead suddenly and unexpectedly, leaving the family to fight over the pile of stuff.

For some people, the birth of a child jostles them out of their reverie, and brings life into focus. The death of a loved one also startles us into realizing that our days are fleeting. These momentous occasions serve to wake us up, to bring life into focus, and to remind us of what is truly important.

Stuff is not important. Love is important. People and relationships are important. Being kind, being love, being present, these are the most important gifts we can share with each other, and the most important attributes we can acquire.

A friend recently said, "It's sad when you think your ship is coming in, only to realize you've been waiting at the airport." That is sad. But sadder still is the thought that some people wait their entire lives for their ship to come in, never realizing they were on it the whole time. Life is short. Appreciate where you are in the journey.

Application: Each man's life is but a breath. These verses remind us that life is fleeting. We may feel invincible, like we have all the time in the world. The truth is, the days, the months and the years fly by at a frenetic pace. Before we know it, our children have grown and gone, and we are facing the end of days.

Today, rather than shoot ahead into next week, or next year, let yourself just be. Try to enjoy the fullness and completeness of everything today brings. Be fully present where you are. Notice bird tracks on the snow, sunlight dancing on leaves, the sound of the breeze in the grass. Appreciate the warmth of the sun.

Try to be fully present for the people in your life They are here for a reason. We are all teaching and learning, during every interaction. Pay attention to t he people God brings into your world. Listen. BE there and offer them love.

Express your gratitude and thanks for today. Look around you and appreciate the beauty, the fullness and the completeness of your life in this moment. If you never utter another prayer, Thank-you would be enough.

And for everyone I meet today, the spirit which dwells within me honors that spirit which dwells within you. Namaste.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the gift of this life. I want to enjoy today, and each day, completely. When I lay down to sleep, let me feel confident in saying, "Today is a good day to die."

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the gift of this life. I want to enjoy today, and each day, completely. When I lay down to sleep, let me feel confident in saying, "Today is a good day to die."

Let there be no regrets in me as I end each day, but let me be mindful to complete the tasks and to connect to every divine appointment you place before me.

Lord, let me walk through each day with my eyes wide open, with my heart completely soft to those around me, and with a will to make each moment better than the one before.