and what is the measure of my days;
let me know how fleeting I am!” Psalm 39:4
Why would David ask this of God? Should we, who say that we are Christians, ask the same? Don’t we know that heaven is our home; thus we know our end? Then again, I wonder, do we?
As I look back over my life, I squandered precious time. When I say that, I suppose some of you might think that I’m talking about time not spent in active ministry. As a matter of fact, there were times that I squandered a lot of time in so-called active ministry. How can that happen? Because I had a dim view of what glorified God and what God commanded of me. You’ve heard of the KISS principle, correct? Well, there is a distinctly Christian application: KEEP IT SIMPLE SAINT.
I should have been home with my family and children; raising them up in the way of the Lord, but no, I took to the streets looking for the praise of men. Of course, I was able to justify my ‘religious’ activities in my own mind by thinking that my wife had to respect and support me and my children could learn from my sterling leadership example. Right. My example. What they needed to see was Christ in me; not a tinsel-town version of heaven on earth. I should have been loving my wife as Christ loves His church, and through this, training up my children in the way they should go. In this I failed but God is true, and as much as Christ redeemed my life when I was a child, He also now graciously redeems my time even as I have grown older. I think of the time I’ve wasted, and while it is not suggested to use me as an excuse, it is in God’s time…carpe diem, and I only can humbly thank God for having so patiently dealt with me. For that reason, I think I understand what David was asking.
Stop looking back. If you have confessed your sins, He is willing and able to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. David knew this even before Jesus was born but he saw that coming day. (Psalms 2:7) Therefore, he looked forward. In my spirit, I think he asked what he did and I would add: ‘What is the measure of my days Lord? I ask because I want them spent in your presence; doing your will and obeying your commandments. I have lived my life and sinned against thee. I tire of despair; aloneness and futility.
Let me know how fleeting I am as not to waste another single minute; allow me to understand the urgency of the hour…not for myself, but for those Whom You love and have called me to serve.’ Yes, these were the thoughts I believe that weighed heavily on his heart, even as they should be mine and yours.
KISS
