Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 39:1-6
Ps 39:1-6
1 I said, "I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence." 2 But when I was silent and still, not even saying anything good, my anguish increased. 3 My heart grew hot within me, and as I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: 4 "Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. 5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath. Selah 6 Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro. He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.
Eph 5:15-19
15 Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish but understand what the Lord's will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
James asks the question: “What is your life?” and then gives the answer: “It is but a mist, it is here for a little while and soon vanishes away.” Life is short at best, so we need to make the most of every opportunity we are given. Time lost can never be regained. It is so easy for us to waste our time or to misuse it instead of being wise and using it for some worthwhile purpose.
Solomon wrote a book to explain the purpose of life and how we are to use our time effectively. What he discovered in his tremendous wisdom, was that when life is lived for this world and what it can give, it is a waste of time, is futile and is like chasing the wind. We can work hard, accumulate a lot of wealth or gain a lot of power or be greatly renowned but we all die and are soon forgotten. All that we leave behind is given to someone else who may or may not use it wisely.
Solomon’s conclusion to the purpose of life is that we are to fear God and keep his commandments because we will give an account to him. Jesus said we are to lay up treasures in heaven, where moths and rust will not destroy, and where thieves will not break in and steal. Heavenly treasure will last forever.
Heavenly Father, help me keep my priorities in place. You have given so many things in this life that I can enjoy, and I thank you for every one of them. Keep me from allowing things to become an end in themselves but give me wisdom to use what you provide, to your glory. Lord, there are several people that I know who are suffering from cancer and taking treatments, getting over surgeries and facing other things. I ask your blessings, your healing and your peace for each of them, as they look to you in faith. I humbly pray in the name of Jesus my Lord.
Robert
