Life Is a Breath, So Aim Your Fire at God
What Psalm 39 teaches us about anger, identity, and living for eternity
Have you ever had a time when you were so angry inside? You tried your best to meditate and even pray, but then—snap. You let out a gossip, a yell, a complaint, or a wave of frustration toward someone, and totally blew it.
I think we've all been there.
David in Psalm 39 is there too, but he teaches us where to aim our fire.
The first two verses stuck out to me. He was watching his ways and keeping his tongue from sin—not even talking about good things. This felt different. It’s as if he were under some form of divine discipline, older in years, looking back and concluding that life is fleeting.
Eventually, he can’t hold it in any longer. So, where does he go?
Straight to God.
“Show me, Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. 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.” (Psalm 39:4–5)
This would have been highly encouraging for the early followers of God. Because of this Psalm, they would understand that there is an end date to their suffering and a God who cares enough to be close by. Also, they would all understand that their home is not where they reside or end up on earth, but where Jesus resides for eternity.
Furthermore, I thought about the West—and the world—and where we place our identity and pour our efforts. What we consider “success.” And what I’ve observed is just that: it’s a lot of work. People hustle like busy bees, build empires, chase dreams, and often lose their souls in the noise.
But the Spirit doesn’t shout over the noise that we have created.
Remember Elijah in the cave?
It wasn’t the earthquake.
Not the fire.
Not even the wind.
The Holy Spirit came in a whisper (1 Kings 19:11-12).
And He still speaks that way today.
The Spirit will not out-yell the noise we welcome into our lives.
Slow Down. You Are a Sojourner.
So, here’s the goal of today’s post:
To encourage all of us to slow down.
David said,
“I dwell with You as a foreigner, a stranger, as all my ancestors were.”
He didn’t say “for You,” but with You. David and the people knew from understanding God’s character that He loves the foreigner (Deut. 10:18-19).
David—a man after God’s own heart—understood something we often forget because of the fast-paced life we live:
This isn’t home.
We’re passing through.
Our eternal home is with Jesus. And you and me? We’re headed there too. The new heaven and new earth are coming. We’ll soon be living in the presence of Christ, where every tear is wiped away and pain is no more.
So… What Do We Do With Our Short Lives?
Here’s the big question:
What do we do with the breath we’ve been given?
Paul says:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” (Colossians 3:23)
That’s part of your purpose. But you can’t understand that purpose without investing in your relationship with Jesus DAILY.
That’s the root.
The well.
The fountain of identity.
The more time you spend with Him, the more you’ll know who He is—and the more you’ll know who you are.
Identity Comes Before Purpose
It’s like growing up in your parents’ house. You don’t figure out your heritage overnight. It takes 18 years of meals, conversations, and stories about Grandma and Grandpa to really learn where you come from.
Heck, you can spit on a stick and get your whole DNA chart these days!
But you get the point:
Time reveals identity.
Never Finished Challenge: Three Life-Changing Truths About Purpose
Here’s what I want to anchor in today:
1. Love God and Love Others.
In that order.
“We love because He first loved us.” —1 John 4:19
You can’t love others if you don’t first love God. And you can’t love God without spending time with Him.
2. Be Conformed to the Image of Christ.
Every single day, you are being shaped. Through pain, through joy, through discipline.
C.S. Lewis gave us this picture:
If you want to remove a cavity, you have to go deep—all the way to the root.
That’s what God is doing. Root work.
3. Make Disciples.
“Go therefore and make disciples… teaching them… baptizing them…” (Matthew 28:19–20)
Not just for pastors.
Not just for missionaries.
For you.
You have the same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead living inside of you. He’ll give you the words, the power, and the strength to go make an eternal impact right where you are.
Heck, most pastors are introverts… So, what’s your excuse?
You Can’t Take a U-Haul to the Grave
Stop living like you can bring your U-Haul to the cemetery.
Live with eternity in mind.
Fix your eyes on Jesus. Every single day.
What Does Today Say About God?
In the grand scheme of things, life is short. But God?
God is eternal.
God is not distant.
God is near.
He wants to make the most of your day.
He wants to speak to you.
Guide you.
Include you in the story He is writing.
And when I think about who I was before Him—and how I still struggle even with Him—I’m left humbled and grateful that He includes me as a small part in His incredible story!
I don’t want to take His grace for granted.
What a King.
What a God.
What a Friend.
Thank You, Jesus.