Daily Devotions
Psalms
Psalm 39:1a "I said, 'I will guard my ways..."
Day 313 – Psalm 39
“I said, ‘I will guard my ways…” Psalm 39:1a
PAST RESPONSES
David had to confront the wicked on many occasions. There were a number of responses he had made in the past. Three may be noted. (All of them are related to prayer).
1. He had prayed for vindication (Psalm 17:2).
2. He had uttered imprecatory prayers (Psalm 28:4-5; Psalm 35:4-8).
3. He asked for mercy when he felt overwhelmed (Psalm 38:17-22).
ONE MORE RESPONSE ATTEMPTED
David’s approach to the problem of the wicked was dynamic rather than static. When he faced the wicked once again he decided that he would guard himself carefully.
“I said, ‘I will guard my ways, lest I sin with my tongue;
I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle,
While the wicked are before me.”
Psalm 39:1
1. “I said”
a) This was a personal response.
b) This also reflected David’s resolve.
2. “I will guard my ways”
a) David had always been careful to guard his ways (Psalm 17:3-5)
b) He determined that he will continue to do his part in guarding his ways
3. “I will restrain my mouth”
a) Animals were restrained with muzzles
David felt that he would muzzle his mouth too (figuratively)
b) He would guard himself from sinning with his tongue
4. “While the wicked are before me”
David knew, all too well, just how fierce and determined they were in plotting against him (Psalm 35:4, 11, 12). He had to be on guard most diligently, even when he spoke, for the wicked would use every means to entrap and kill him.