#284 THE BREVITY OF LIFE 10-14-26
Life is a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. We do not know what will happen tomorrow, for our lives are like a mist that briefly appears before disappearing into the morning air (James 4:14). We make plans for years ahead, yet we are not promised another sunrise. We count our birthdays, but we cannot count our remaining days.
Moses prayed, “So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Wisdom begins when we recognize that time is a gift, not a possession. We cannot slow its passing, purchase its return, or reclaim the opportunities we have allowed to slip away. Yesterday is beyond our reach, tomorrow is beyond our control, and today is the only day God has placed directly into our hands.
The brevity of life should awaken us, not discourage us. We have little time to love our families, encourage the discouraged, forgive those who have wronged us, and share the good news of Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul exhorted Christians to redeem the time because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16). Every day presents opportunities that may never come again. A kind word can strengthen a weary heart, a prayer can bring comfort, and a conversation about Christ can have consequences reaching into eternity.
Yet the brevity of life also shows us that death has been conquered. Jesus declared, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live” (John 11:25). Our earthly lives are temporary, but God's promises reach beyond the grave. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, those who belong to Him have a hope that this passing world cannot extinguish.
We must not spend our brief years chasing things that cannot satisfy the soul. Riches fade, possessions deteriorate, human applause disappears, and earthly achievements eventually become memories. But the work we do for the Lord is never wasted. Paul encouraged believers to remain steadfast, knowing that their labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Life is short, but its significance is enormous. We cannot determine how many days we will receive, but we can determine how faithfully we use the days God gives us. Let us live with eternity in view, love with sincerity, serve with diligence, and walk with Christ daily. When our final sunset comes, may we have spent our brief journey preparing for the endless morning of eternity.
_______________
Heavenly Father, teach us to number our days and use our time wisely. Help us love deeply, serve faithfully, share the gospel boldly, and keep eternity before our eyes. May we never waste the precious days You have given us, but live each one for the glory of Jesus Christ. In His name, Amen.
BDD
