Psalm 39, Part 2: Remove Thy Stroke

The psalmist attempted to solve his problem by a blind submission to the will of God. Many attempt to solve the problem of suffering in the same way.

They try to convince themselves that if God sends the punishment, it must be right and good. Like the psalmist, they do not understand the true philosophy of suffering (see on Ps. 38:3). Instead of recognizing Satan as the true author of disease and affliction, and God as the one who is working out the devices of the enemy for the good of the sufferer . . . , they see disease and death as proceeding from God, as punishment arbitrarily inflicted on account of transgression. “. . . It is proper to pray that the stroke of the enemy be removed (see 2 Cor. 12:8), but the petitioner should fully submit to the divine will (see Luke 22:42). God alone can judge the case in the light of all the issues involved in the great controversy. It is our part to remove any hindrances to what Heaven would like to accomplish for us, then to leave the results with God. If the stroke is not removed, we should say with Paul, ‘Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me’ (2 Cor. 12:9).” David asks God to remove his affliction, for there is no hope found in earthly cures.

If he has some unconfessed transgression, he wants God to forgive him and lift His curse. He does not see that Satan is the author of pain and suffering.

God is not the author of David’s troubles.

God might ease them, eliminate them, or permit them, but He does not initiate them! “In contrast with the usual prayer for God to look toward him and help, the psalmist now prays that God may turn away from him what to the psalmist is His punishing gaze.” The thirty-ninth psalm is a sad dirge that ends with David pleading for strength before he dies (v. 13).

“Thy way, not mine, O Lord, / However dark it be; / Lead me by Thine own hand, / Choose out the path for me.”