My distress grew worse Psalm 39:2

For the past several months I have been battling as many of you know some
rather sever headaches. I attribute most of this to the stress that we went
through as a family during the three month illness and then departure of my
dad. We loved him so. It is when we are stretched that our true self comes
out. I really thought I handled everything so well, but for some reason the
stress surfaced several sins, insecurities, and my general selfish heart. I
have prayed for the Lord to lead me not into temptation and deliver me from
evil; to help me see my sin and to preserve me for his kingdom purposes.
When we are going through rough waters, I am learning the importance of
persevering, praying without ceasing, staying in the Word, and just waiting
for God's deliverance--and doing a lot of humbling of oneself. God's
deliverance will come...sometimes not as quick as we would like. The
following Psalm was especially encouraging to me. I hope you will find it a
blessing as well. It puts life into perspective. (if you didn't have the
opportunity to look at yesterday's blog, I would encourage you to see the
video!)

39:1 I said, "I will guard my ways,
that I may not sin with my tongue;
I will guard my mouth with a muzzle,
so long as the wicked are in my presence."
2 I was mute and silent;
I held my peace to no avail,
and my distress grew worse.
3 My heart became hot within me.
As I mused, the fire burned;
then I spoke with my tongue:

4 "O Lord, make me know my end
and what is the measure of my days;
let me know how fleeting I am!
5 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! Selah
6 Surely a man goes about as a shadow!
Surely for nothing [1] they are in turmoil;
man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!

7 "And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?
My hope is in you.
8 Deliver me from all my transgressions.
Do not make me the scorn of the fool!
9 I am mute; I do not open my mouth,
for it is you who have done it.
10 Remove your stroke from me;
I am spent by the hostility of your hand.
11 When you discipline a man
with rebukes for sin,
you consume like a moth what is dear to him;
surely all mankind is a mere breath! Selah

12 "Hear my prayer, O Lord,
and give ear to my cry;
hold not your peace at my tears!
For I am a sojourner with you,
a guest, like all my fathers.
13 Look away from me, that I may smile again,
before I depart and am no more!"