Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. Psalm 90:12

 

“What is the greatest surprise you have found about life?” a university student once asked a famous spiritual leader during a lecture.

The wise man responded without hesitation, “The brevity of [life].”[1]

Life is short, and we are fragile. Earthquakes, floods and war all make us recognize that life is precious, limited, and uncertain.

So too, living with daily demands makes it easy to get caught up in the never-ending to-do lists, obligations, and distractions. Perhaps you find yourself moving through life without much thought, letting your days slip by in activity, unmarked by deep meaning. Do you wish you were living more intentionally?

The secret to reclaiming a purposeful life is found in the Bible. Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” Realizing how short life is drives us to be intentional It calls us to pause and reflect, and ask ourselves how we really want to spend our limited days.

Think of your life as a treasure chest filled with different resources. Time is no doubt the most limited one! You’ve also got abilities and unique skills as well as financial resources. All can be hoarded and used only for ourselves, or they can be used to bless others and build God’s Kingdom! God asks you to use them all wisely.

Interested in a life of meaning? First, slow down enough to take inventory of what God’s given you. We can’t live intentionally or set goals until we’ve slowed down to assess where we want to go. Ask God how to live intentionally and to help you decide on measurable, purpose-filled goals.

[1] Graham, Billy, and Cliff Barrows. Just As I Am: The Autobiography of Billy Graham. 1997.