Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

I don’t know who coined the phrase “The length of our lives is represented by a dash between two dates,” but it is undoubtedly a concise way of stating what most people sense, especially as they get older, that life passes by quickly.

Last month, I received my Medicare card, so I suppose that that officially makes me a “senior citizen.” I am probably in some denial, and I can relate to someone who said, “I can’t believe how old people my age are.” Recently we have been with people who are celebrating significant birthdays or anniversaries, and almost inevitably, someone will say, “How did I get to be this old so fast?” or “Where did the time go?”

Looking Forward

Those of us who have, statistically speaking, more time in this life behind us than ahead of us often have a different perspective than those who are younger. When we are young, we are usually in a big hurry to grow up. We cannot wait for the next significant milestone because we think that it will bring additional freedom and excitement to our lives. The Psalmist put it this way, “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (NLT)

The time that we have in this life is finite, and therefore it is wise for us to choose carefully how we will spend our time in this life. Two things have gained popularity in the last few years; the first is YOLO, which stands for “You Only Live Once,” and the second is “Bucket List.” A bucket list is what you want to do or see before you die, while those who subscribe to the YOLO philosophy of life tend to live on the edge, seeking thrills wherever they may be found.

We Have Hope

It is understandable for people who have no hope beyond this life to go along with one of these philosophies, but for those of us who believe that there is life beyond the grave, we must heed the words of the Psalmist and seek to grow in wisdom concerning how we use our days. Do not have a limited or stereotypical view of heaven in the afterlife. Peter tells us that there will be a new heaven and a new earth, and no matter how grand and impressive the sights and experiences available to us on this earth and in this lifetime seem to be, they will pale in comparison with what God is preparing in the new heavens and the new earth.

Only One Life, Twill Soon Be Past
by C.T. Studd

Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;

Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its days I must fulfill.
living for self or in His will;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

We Will Live Forever

We as believers, even while living life to the fullest in this present time, must not be shortsighted or live in fear that we will miss something if we don’t squeeze it in before we die. We cannot imagine what God has prepared for us in the life to come, so our first priority should always be to be a bright and shining light that attracts others to Jesus. It would be wise for us to remember WWLF (We Will Live Forever). “The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out—but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity. 1 John 2:17 (MESSAGE)

I am looking forward to what God has in store for me in the coming years. I want my life to account for his kingdom. I recently came across these words by C. S. Lewis: “There are far better things ahead than what we leave behind.” I have no plans to retire, but I desire to continually have my imagination refired by the Holy Spirit for the work that is yet to be done.

Steve Ekeroth

Photo: Sunrise, Masai Mara, Kenya, January 27, 2022 (Steve Ekeroth)