Our call to worship this morning is found in Psalm 39. It’s a portion of David’s prayer that I find appropriate to consider here at the turn of a new year. David prays,
“O LORD, make me know my end
(Psalm 39:4–7 ESV)
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.
The turn of a new year is often marked by the making of many plans and resolutions. And those plans and resolutions are not a bad thing – the Bible, in places like Proverbs 31, praises the wisdom of future planning and stewardship of our time. But the Bible also reminds us that all our days belong to the Lord and warns us that planning without regard for God’s providential care over our lives is arrogance and evil (James 4:14-15).
David’s prayer here in Psalm 39 models the kind of humility we need. After acknowledging the brevity of his own life, he lands on this… “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.”
As we turn the page on a new year, let us learn to number our days, and set our hope in the Lord. He is our Sovereign King, our Heavenly Father, who has redeemed us through his Son and keeps us by his Spirit. As we sing, let’s marvel together at the person and work of our Lord.
Prayer of Preparation for Worship
Heavenly Father, help us today to fix our eyes on the beauty and glory of Jesus, set our hope in Him, and bend our wills under the shadow of his eternal throne. Lead us, Holy Spirit, as we worship. Amen.