Our Days Are Numbered

"O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! (Psalm 39:4 ESV)

Have you ever considered the brevity of life? In the thousands (some would argue millions) of years of history you almost certainly will not even occupy a century of it. Is there a benefit of being consciously aware of the shortness of life? I believe there is.

We are faced everyday with reminders of how fragile our lives are. There are numerous dangers and perils that threaten our lives on a daily basis. Big things like car crashes and natural disasters to even microscopic strains of viruses and cellular abnormalities threaten to wipe us out at any given time. These dangers are largely beyond our control. Although, life is short and filled with uncertainty, one thing is certain: death. Death does not discriminate, it is no respecter of age, position, class, or gender. Sometimes it is slow in coming and sometimes it seems to come to soon. It comes nonetheless. This is depressing. Please don't stop reading. Although this is a depressing reality, that we often avoid thinking and talking about, behind the gloom lies hope.

This life we live is full of pain and brokenness, true, but there is a life that is full of joy and satisfaction in the presence of God. His Word promises an eternal life for those who will forsake their former treasure of sin in exchange for the Most Excellent Treasure, Jesus. Listen to His words from the book of John, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33 ESV)" Trouble and pain are to be expected, but if you will hope and trust in Jesus, who said He has overcome the world (including death), you should remain aware that trouble is only temporary. Read what Paul writes, "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, (2 Corinthians 4:17 ESV)" How does he characterize our troubles? Light and Momentary.

David's hope is firmly in a God who is permanent and eternal. When men live and die, God remains. His hope was in the promise of God to give new life to His children. If you are in Christ this is your hope also. You need not worry about the cares of this world (money, fame, beauty, entertainment), but instead grow in anticipation of leaving trouble behind and being forever united with the all-satisfying, life-giving, love-abounding God.