READING: Psalms 90-95
I’m 55 years old, but I don’t feel old. I’ve been trying hard to be in decent physical shape, and I think my hanging around young people much of the time helps to keep me young. What I’m realizing, though, is how short life really is. I’ve never forgotten my early days as a local church pastor, including the first time I baptized new believers. It seems like only yesterday that Pam and I married. I remember distinctly the first day I taught a class as a seminary professor. Still, all of those things happened 35, 25, and 20 years ago, respectively. That was a long time ago — yet it seems like it was such a short time ago!
That’s why these words of the psalmist caught my attention today:
- “Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death — they are like new grass of the morning: In the morning it springs up new, but by evening it is dry and withered” (Psalm 90:5-6)
- “for they [our days, often filled with trouble] quickly pass, and we fly away” (Psalm 90:10b)
When I remember these words, it’s easier to “number our days” wisely (Psalm 90:12), “rest in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1), and proclaim His love in the morning and His faithfulness at night (Psalm 92:2). When I look back over my years, it’s also easy to see that His unfailing love has supported me when my foot was slipping (Psalm 94:18-19). I see His faithfulness, and all I can do is exactly what the psalmist told us to do: “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care” (Psalm 95:6-7).
I’m really glad I’m a sheep under His care.
ACTION STEPS:
- Consider what changes you would make in your life today if you really focused on the brevity of life. Make at least one of those changes.
- If you’re physically able, kneel before God today and spend some time in His presence.
PRAYER: “Lord, let me sing for joy today. Thank You for always taking care of me in this short life.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Psalms 96-102