So, You're a Mere Phantom     
    
   Me too.

   David speaks to God in Psalm 39, a continuation Psalm 38:

You have made my days a mere handbreadth;

the span of my years is as nothing before you.

Each man's life is but a breath.

Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro.

He bustles about, but only in vain;

he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.

vs. 4-6

   Commentary: David realizes it is the Lord who is causing his suffering. 

God has given each of us only a short time on earth as a period of testing, 

to determine our faithfulness to him, while living in a corrupt generation.

But now, Lord, what do I look for? 

My hope is in you.

Save me from all my transgressions.

...for you are the one who has done this.

Remove your scourge from me;

I am overwhelmed by the blow of your hand.

You rebuke and discipline men for their sin;

...each man is but a breath.

vs. 7-11

   David prays that he may not die separated from God and his mercy.

Hear my prayer, O Lord, listen to my cry for help;

be not deaf to my weeping.

For I dwell with you as an alien, a stranger...

Look away from me, that I may rejoice again

before I depart and am no more.

vs. 12-13