Thursday, February 22

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018

"Show me, O LORD, my life's end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.
You have made my days a mere handbreath;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man's life is but a breath." (Psalm 39:4,5)


The Scriptures consistently remind us of the shortness of our lives and the imperative to deploy our time for God and others. In Psalm 90:12, we read this prayer: "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." As with many things, we learn best when we realize the scarcity of something, coming to appreciate it and becoming better stewards of it.

James echoes this concept of our lives being "but a breath," a "vapor," and a "mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." In James 4:13-17, the author discusses how we often boast about our future plans as if we were in control of them. He argues for living with this ethic: "Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.'" (James 4:15)

While we are cognizant of our short lifespan, we also understand from God's Word that, after receiving Christ, we receive eternal life and become part of God's family. As a result, we become participants in eternity, even with our short earthly life.

We may then wonder how our lives here may affect eternity. As Pastor Scott has explained, there are few things that last for eternity: God Himself, His Word, and human souls. By pouring our lives out for God, His Word, and others, we may become co-laborers with God in bringing about the glorious future hope that He promises in Christ to all who believe. We may introduce others to Christ, strengthen them in their understanding of His Word, serve them in love, pray for them, help them reach their full potential, encourage them in times of trial, and point out areas that may require submitting to God. That love for others reaps eternal benefit.


Lord God, teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Strengthen us through Your Word so that we will not see our worldly struggles as greater than the hope of eternity. Give us opportunities to honor You and to pour into the lives of others. Fill our lives with joy as we live with an eternal perspective. In Jesus's Name, amen.


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