Psalm 90:10-12
10 Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty. But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble; soon they disappear, and we fly away. 11 Who can comprehend the power of your anger? Your wrath is as awesome as the fear you deserve. 12 Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.
Interesting that Moses, who wrote Psalm 90, lived to be 120! Still, over 2,000 years later we see that life expectancy around the world is 70 something to perhaps 80. Now that I am 62 I understand how brief this life really is. I remember when I was a young teenager and I was on the phone with my Mamaw. She was probably about my age now (it’s funny when I think about it that way!). I asked her what it was like being old. “Bless your heart”, she said. She explained how her mind wanted to do something that it could earlier in life, but the body couldn’t anymore. Now that I am here, I understand exactly what she was saying. My Dad has a saying that I’m sure he borrowed from somewhere. “Youth is wasted on the young.” Isn’t that the truth! All of my life experience. The great times and the terrible times (often self inflicted) helped to shape who I am. I am much wiser for it (although not as wise as I should be). Even my best years had some trouble. Because God brings all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, the worst times were the best teaching moments.
So what’s an old guy to do? Live with wisdom knowing that I am closer to the end of my life than the beginning! Even then, no one is guaranteed tomorrow. Obeying God’s commands is the very definition of wisdom! God’s knowledge applied. As we see the end of our lives approaching we should take Moses’ advice. Continue to grow in wisdom! God will help us do just that if we let Him. Read and study His Word and walk it out the best you can. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you. That will lead to a life well lived, even in the midst of the pain and trouble that comes from living in a fallen world. Well done good and faithful servant. Enter into your reward!