Psalm_39
4 Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. 5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.[b] 6 “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be. 7 “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.
Observation-What does it say?
Understanding-What does it mean?
This life is short. “Everyone is but a breath...” as verse 5b states.
This reminds me of the book of Eccelsiastes where King Solomon writes about how there’s more to this life than working and toiling under the sun to eat, drink, and being merry. It is all meaningless in light of God’s Kingdom. At the end of the book (spoiler alert), Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, King Solomon concludes with:
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 NIV
Life Application
Jesus instructs us to be servants in Matthew 28, Mark 10 and John 13, just like how He did not come to be served, but to serve others and give His life as a ransom to many.
One morning, the Lord reminded me of this truth through His Spirit. Basically, there were some personal things I was working on regarding marriage and finances. Those things had started to get better, but I felt like my Spirit was longing for more. More of just making sure my household was in order. Don’t get me wrong, it is VERY important to make sure your household is in order and managed well. (See Timothy 3:5). Also, I am not saying do not take a Sabbath rest by yourself and with your family to recharge. That is Scriptural and healthy. However, just going to work 5 days a week or more for a nice house, vacations, family time, more toys, etc., will not fulfill me, because my Spirit longs to serve others and be on mission for Christ WITH my family as well.
What are some roadblocks getting in the way of serving others and being on mission for Jesus? Speaking from personal experience, the Spirit will never be satisfied with “chasing after the wind” because there is truly more to life than just living for ourselves.
Thank You Jesus for your example of serving others and teaching us to do the same. Thank You for King David and King Solomon who also taught this truth. Thank You Your Spirit in us who convicts me (us) and gives us that urge to do more because living for ourselves doesn’t completely satisfy. I pray that our lives would testify of Your greatness alone. Amen.
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Michelle Gaddi
