What is your life?

The future is not guaranteed to anyone. The Bible tells us about the uncertainty of life: “You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (James 4:14).

In consideration of God and mortal man, Moses acknowledges that God is eternal and faithful. He prayed: “Lord you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You return man to dust and say, “Return, O children of man!” For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night” (Psalm 90:1-4). 

The text seems to be telling us that God who is from everlasting to everlasting is the dwelling place of His people—in all generations. This is most comforting for us to be aware of; even in the uncertainty of our lives.  

Moses also mentions human life expectancy at 70 or up to 80 years: “The years of our life are seventy or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone and we fly away” (Psalm 90:10). Toil and trouble could mean difficulties and problems.

In view of life’s fleeting years, Moses also asked God: “So teach us to number our days so that we may get a heart of wisdom” (v.12). The point is we must seek God’s wisdom in all that we do, so that He will lead, guide, and direct us.

It is not man who determines his own life-span. Rather, it is the sovereign God, Creator of the universe who placed man on the earth and determines how long he will live. Here’s what Job said about the uncertainty of life. 

“Man who is born of a woman is few of days and full of trouble. He comes out like a flower and withers; he flees like a shadow and continues not. And do you open your eyes on such a one and bring me into judgment with you? Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? There is not one. Since his days are determined, and the number of his months is with you, and you have appointed his limits that he cannot pass” (Job 14:1-5).

Job sees life like a flower that appears and withers. And like a shadow that continues not. A flower with all its colorful beauty and appeal is short-lived. A shadow only lasts for a limited period of time. When the object moves, the shadow disappears,

Paul was fully conscious that he was approaching the end of his life when he said: “the time of my departure has come.” In his readiness to go, the apostle confidently expressed: 

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

It seems obvious Paul realized his life was “a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” He was filled with gratitude to God for enabling him to finish the race and keep the faith to the end of his life. This is most inspiring for Christians today.

In summary, let’s consider and do what Paul is exhorting here. “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:15-17).

Making the best use of the time is most important. There’s no time like the present. Earthly life will not go on forever. Seize every opportunity to live in the light of God’s Word as His children, and for His honor and glory.