"O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!"
Psalm 39:4 (ESV)
Yesterday, I watched someone die. It is an experience I don't have very often. It was sad. It made me wonder about how fleeting my own life will be. That is something I don't think about very often either. I am not sure why I don't think about it very often because I know I will not live forever. Hebrews 9:29 tells us that it is appointed for man to die once and after that comes the judgment. So I wonder why I don't think more about the days I have left to live. Psalm 90:12 tells me to number my days that I may get a heart of wisdom.
When I watched the person die, I was impressed by what a peaceful experience it was. The person was a Christian and had the hope of eternal life. When death is not the final word, it is somehow an enemy whose sting is not so bad. What I realized yesterday was that while I do not want to die, I'd like to watch my sons grow up and share more years with my wife, I am not afraid to die. I am not afraid to die because I know that death is not the end for a Christian. Jesus showed us that he could overcome death when he was raised from the dead. He told his followers that he was going to prepare a place for them and then he would come back for them, so that they could be with Him. He gave them His Word on it. And the Bible says in both the Old and New Testaments that while grass withers and flowers fade, God's Word will stand forever!
I hope you don't have to watch somene die anytime soon, but if you ever do, I hope they will know Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord so that you can see that death from the perspective of the Christian's hope. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live..." I pray that I will number my days and use them wisely to tell others about what Jesus has done.
5 comments:
We are praying for Dave & Mel as they walk the road laid out before them just now.
Sis
We just received word that a young man at Matt & Mike's high school has committed suicide. No details yet, but please pray with us for the family and friends.
Sis
Well said, Dwight.
My sentiments exactly.
Working in healthcare for three years enabled me to see many deaths. There weren't nearly as many peaceful ones as I would like to have seen. I love your thoughts and your wisdom. Thank you for your encouraging words to me. Life has been particularly hard for me to cope with lately, and my crying out to God seems to be unheard. I know that He never leaves me, but as a narrow minded, fleshly creature, it is hard for me to see Him in everything. I love you and Barb so much!
Thanks for the thoughts and encouragment of scripture. Linda and I are enjoying your blog when we get the chance to visit.
Paul
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