Psalm 39

David begins here by telling about his need to get something off his chest -- his own despair of a short life. He has tried to keep quiet about it around those who are God's enemies, but at last he must speak. When he bares his heart beginning in verse 4, he contemplates the brevity of life. "Each man's life is but a breath."

So what does a person do, realizing that he is only granted a little bit of time to walk the earth? His daily tasks are so meaningless in the grand scheme of things. What does one look for? David answers in verse 7, "My hope is in you." Is there a better summary?

He calls upon God to cleanse him, to take away the guilt and suffering for his sins. God is David's only hope.

The psalm's final verse is reminiscent of Job's cries, "Look away from me, that I may rejoice again before I depart and am no more." David, as Job did before him, wants God to take away the burden of punishment from him so he can have a little peace before he dies. David is sure this is the end for him, although it's just a feeling. The thought is that he cannot bear any more
suffering.