Life Is Short
Today’s scripture selection: Psalms 39-41
Key verses: Psalm 39:4-5
Life is short. It’s a platitude we’ve all heard.
It’s also true.
The problem is most of us don’t really believe it. Or at least you couldn’t tell we do by our actions.
I suppose it’s only natural that many of us act as if we believe we are going to live a long, long time.
Eighteen-year-olds are especially guilty of this. They tend to think they are invincible – no matter what they do.
But lots of us act as if we think we have plenty of time too.
So, we spend our days filling them with all sorts of activity – some worthy of our limited time – some not.
The Psalmist, in stark contrast has this to say:
“Show me, Lord, my life’s end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting my life is.
You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Everyone is but a breath,
even those who seem secure.”
Well, all I can add – as a pastor – is this: life is short. And eternity is a very, very long time.
What can we do – today – to make the time we spend here count? And what can we do to prepare for an eternity with God that builds on what we have done here with the time we were given?
The clock is ticking: believe it or not.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the gift of life – and time. Help me to make every minute count. AMEN.
