POOF—IT’S GONE
Ps. 39:4 NLT
Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away. My life is no longer than the width of my hand. An entire lifetime is just a moment to you; human existence is but a breath.
I remember like yesterday, sitting in elementary class, staring at the clock, waiting for what seemed an eternity for the school bell to ring so I could escape and run home. The days at school lasted forever. In those days it felt, somehow the hands of time stopped in order to keep me trapped in the school, locked in the prison of youth.
I yearned to be free of it all. Then came junior high, long days still, finally highschool. I counted the days till I would graduate and be free at last!
Suddenly, in a moment, in the blink of an eye, 50 years have evaporated. Poof–it’s gone! In a few short weeks, I’ll be 68. Just 5 years shy of 73, the average life expectancy for most men.
It’s as if I went to sleep one night and woke up old. My body aches, my calves hurt at night as I try to sleep, my strength is more limited. My lower back has become a recurring problem. The lawn that used to take me 25 minutes to mow, now takes me 40 minutes to mow. My hair has thinned and turned silvery white. In a year, my first grandchild will graduate. I look in the mirror and there’s an old guy staring back at me. Just as the Bible says—My time is very brief, my life’s been fleeing away.
I am most grateful to God that as a 19 year old, I read Psalm 39 and took it to heart. Though, I must confess, not even I began to grasp the speed of light with which my life would pass by, bringing me to this present moment. I am extremely thankful to God that by His grace, He helped me live my life for eternal things. I am extremely grateful that He helped me understand what was truly important, that He imparted his wisdom to me, opened my eyes to many things, and helped me make the most of life. I’m so grateful I’ve prioritized my marriage and my parenting during the time with my children in the home. Those parenting days are long gone now. I am so grateful God inspired me to use my life and God-given gifts to honor God, to serve and help others. I can honestly say, I used my life vigorously for God’s purposes.
Yes, I know my days are not over yet. I may in fact live 10 or 20 or more years. But, they too will be over before I know it. I told a friend recently, “I’m not a retire, golf and die guy. I’m a work with a purpose, be useful till I die guy.” At least, that’s my hope and prayer. There are obviously things I can’t control that may come about in the days and years ahead.
Most of you reading this are younger than I am, many are much younger. I urge you today, no matter what your age, take a moment, remind yourself how fast your life is passing by. Re-examine your priorities. Ask yourself, are you making the most of the things that really matter? Are you treasuring the things that count? Are you making sure you are preparing now, for the inevitable older years that will come on you suddenly like a storm? Will you be prepared? Are you making wise decisions now based on the reality of the shortness of life? Are you vigorously living a life that honors God? Are you laying up treasure in heaven by serving others, living your life for God’s will? Now, take a look at your hand. Your life is no longer than the width of your hand.
Psalm 90:12
Teach us to count carefully the days of our short lives. Then we will be wise in how we live.
Please take a moment now, listen to this powerful song! May this be the cry of our hearts!
For Your Glory (Official Lyric Video) – Leeland | Invisible
Helping you become a Strong Disciple,
Because of Jesus,
Pastor Mark Darling
