Life’s Brevity – Psalm 39:5a

Behold, You have made my days as handbreadths.

In a flash, the days of our lives will be over and their end upon us. 

Therefore, do not lose sight of life’s brevity.  Pick up the obituaries and read about the rising corporate star killed on vacation, the young mother who died of cancer, or the teenager who succumbed to injuries from an auto accident returning home from an outing.  Instantly, careers, household budgets, and college applications no longer have meaning to them.  For in the same way as had every person before them, these precious souls left behind their accomplishments, possessions, and plans.  All that they had accumulated in life passed down to another to care for or to dissipate as the case may be, and their dreams and desires for blessed lives on earth vanished.[1]

Since we know that our lives are like a vapor, visible for a mere moment before they vanish,[2] we should consecrate ourselves for God’s righteous purposes and build up imperishable riches in heaven.[3]  The futility of the chase after goods and position should be clear to us, causing us to respond to Jesus’ call to “Follow Me”[4] by turning away from the all-consuming pursuit of that which has no eternal value.  As the light of understanding shines upon the difference between what fire will consume in an instant and what will endure forever, we should give more and keep less, disperse more freely rather than hoarding so protectively.

Pray for the Lord to give you spiritual eyes to appreciate how quickly the days of life pass by, leaving us to face eternity carrying nothing from this earth.  Set your mind on eternal things, and seek them with your whole heart, mind, and soul.[5]  Build your life upon the everlasting foundation, Jesus Christ,[6] and acknowledge that only those things done in His name for the glory of our Father in heaven will last beyond this age.[7]  Seek what is important, and embrace the joy and gladness known by the favored children of the Most High God when they live unencumbered by temporal things.[8]  Gaze intently into the heavens, so you may see the majesty of the Father and the glory of Jesus as He stands at His Father’s right hand.[9]  Glimpse the beautiful city where your real home is being prepared, and store your treasures there, where nothing can take them away from you.[10]

Gaze into the heavens
Look upon the majesty
Of Holy Spirit, Father, Son
Lights of Eternity

Search to find the vapors
Of possessions once held dear
Try to touch ambitions
That had always seemed so clear

Not a tear of loss will fall
Over trappings left behind
For the love of Jesus
Surpasses all combined

Look up and see the heavens
Let your eyes behold
The city sitting on the hill
With streets of purest gold

And rejoice, for glory waits
Promised as your rich reward
For trusting in the holy One
And walking with your Lord

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[1] Psalm 39:6

[2] James 4:14

[3] Luke 12:33

[4] John 1:43

[5] Colossians 3:1-2

[6] Proverbs 10:25

[7] Matthew 25:34-40

[8] Psalm 90:12-17

[9] Acts 7:55

[10] 1 Corinthians 9:25