Tribute: The Traveler

Psalm 39:12

Several decades ago, my father drove long-haul tractor-trailer trucks across the United States. My mother occasionally traveled with him. They enjoyed visiting many states together and met people along the way. His cargo varied, including fruits, vegetables, furniture, and Hershey’s candy. 

When I asked him about driving all those miles alone, my dad told me how he enjoyed the peace and quiet in the cab of his truck. He said it was a wonderful opportunity to sort through his thoughts, and he would meditate on Scripture verses and sing old hymns he’d learned in his younger years. 

Today’s Bible verse is one I’ve thought about and pondered recently. My father’s health is failing, and his time on earth is drawing to an end. He has traveled countless miles in his life. However, the most important journey was his move from Sunderlinville to Germania, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Zundel introduced my father to the Lord Jesus Christ, and his life has been forever changed. 

Hear my prayer, O Lord! Listen to my cries for help! Don’t ignore my tears. 

For I am your guest – a traveler passing through, as my ancestors were before me.

- Psalm 39:12 (NLT) 

In Psalm 39, the psalmist asks the Lord, “What is the measure of my days?” (v. 4). And yet, he affirms, “My hope is in You.” (v. 7). He concludes this psalm with an emotional plea. “Lord, will You hear me?” I’m praying right now, and these words are for Your ears. 

The psalmist doesn’t just want the Lord to “hear” his prayer. Rather, he firmly states, “Listen to my cries for help!” We’ve been in situations when we share something important and aren’t sure the other person has heard a single word we said. Perhaps they have been looking at their cell phone or staring off into the distance. David wants the Lord to listen. 

Finally, he asks the Lord to notice his tears. I love David’s boldness when he comes before the Lord. Hear me. Listen to me. Do not overlook or disregard my tears! This is an honest expression of David’s emotions. He is pouring out his heart to the Lord. 

At the end of this verse, the psalmist refers to himself as a guest and a traveler. Other versions present words like stranger, foreigner, and sojourner. These words imply a temporary visit, wandering, or lingering briefly. Friends, this should be our view and perspective of life on this earth. We are just passing through. Jesus said, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:3).

Head to Heart   

My father has traveled many miles on this earth. His hope is in the Lord; I have watched him become a faithful prayer warrior. He is in pain every day, and I have heard him cry out to the Lord for help. I know the Lord counts each tear my father sheds during this time of suffering. 

What are your deepest prayers and cries for help? Take time to meditate on this verse and pour out your heart to the Lord. He will hear you, and He will not dismiss your tears. We will face hardships and struggles on this earth, but the Lord listens to our cries. In the end, we will walk with Jesus for all eternity. 

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