Life Is Short-lived
Man, who is born of woman, is short-lived and full of turmoil. Like a flower he comes forth and withers. He also flees like shadow and does not remain (Job 14:1-2).
There are a number of passages in God's word that put a special emphasis on how short-lived life on this earth really is (2 Sam. 14:14; Job 7:6-7; Job 9:25-26; Psalms 90:10; James 4:16). As Job speaks about the brevity of life in Job 14:1-2, he goes on to tell us in verse 5 to that the days and months of our life are determined by God. They are determined in the sense that God has decreed that it is appointed that man will die (Hebrews 9:27).
It matters not how young or how old we may be in terms of months and years, that moment when we will take that journey from whence we will not return is always near at hand (1 Sam. 20:3). Perhaps we should pause and listen to the words of Moses from Psalms 90:12, "So teach us to number our days, that we may present to you a heart of wisdom." We number our days only in the sense that we realize how short-lived they are and that the present one may be the last on this earth. Applying our hearts to wisdom we will live as dying people should live, taking into account that one day we will stand in judgment before the Lord giving account of how we have lived (Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10; Acts 17:30-31).
Realizing how short-lived our life is on the side of eternity should inspire us to savor each moment we have here. A number of years ago I often visited with an elderly lady in a nursing home facility. This lady's mind was sharp and we had some interesting conversations. One day I just had to ask her how old she was. I don't remember her exact age but it was in the mid 90's. I do remember what she said a few moments later. After a short pause she said, "that's a long time to live and then she added this, but when you think about it, it's not so long after all is it?" I recently turned 91 years of age and I tell you unequivocably, that lady was 100 percent correct.
Cherish each moment you have on this side of eternity. Treasure the time you have with those you love dearly. Every day tell them that you love them, don't just assume they know it. Laugh with them, cry with them because the day is coming when you will not be able to do these things. Whatever you intend to do, do it now (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Be happy, enjoy your life to the fullest but as you do always fear God and keep His commandments and His only (Eccl. 12:13-14). Today these words from a beautiful song, Anywhere is Home, just sum it up for me: "I will labor on till I am called away, Till the morn shall dawn of that eternal day; Looking unto Him who keeps me in His care, Anywhere is home if Christ my Lord is there." What say you?
Charles Hicks
