Psalm 39:9
I am mute; I do not open my mouth, for it is you who have done it.
David, as he reflected upon all the trials and troubles he experienced, declared to God that he was mute. David resolved in his heart that he would never utter a word in his defense to present his case before man to justify his actions.
For David recognized the sovereignty of God over all things. Nothing in life occurs that is not under God’s sovereign decree. This does not mean life will be easy or fair in the way humanity measures fairness. But David realized that if he complained in his circumstances, he was accusing God of evil.
In a world that denies the sovereignty of God, we feel compelled to not live according to the Word of God but according to our own self-justified word. We gossip and slander; we lie and stir up self-justification because we do not trust God’s Word that says, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” We, in our sinful and depraved hearts, deny that God is orchestrating all things for our good and His glory.
Instead of praying and seeking God, we proclaim our own justification and seek our own glory. But let us instead look to Christ, for when He stood before the high priest, He did not need to defend Himself and remained silent. And Peter declared that all that happened to Christ was according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God. We can then take comfort that our Heavenly Father knows our weaknesses, that He remembers we are dust, and that even in trials He conforms us to the image of His Son. Let us worship our great God and remain silent in humble submission to His will.
Romans 12:19, Romans 8:28, Matthew 26:63, Acts 2:22–24
Father, You are sovereign over all. This is not just a sovereignty over the greatest events in my life but over all things. Even the smallest detail of my life You have ordained and are working for Your glory and my good. Forgive my complaining and griping against You, for it is a heart of unbelief and pride that rages against You. Make me aware of my sin and the completeness of Your sovereign grace in Christ alone. In His name I pray this. Amen