Brevity of Life

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

My life has been rocked more than once by news of a sudden death. My friend’s young daughter killed in an auto accident. A recent high school graduate family member who died in an amusement park accident. More than one friend and family killed by drunk drivers. We get the news and nearly stop breathing. Our lives are on hold as we mourn. And we recognize the brevity of life…briefly.

I wonder if it’s because we don’t fully understand the brevity of life as God intends. Brevity of life shocks us; we talk about lives cut short, potential unrealized, and dreams unfulfilled. We appreciate life, but do we realize the brevity of life? The purpose of realizing the brevity of life, according to Moses, the author of Psalm 90, is wisdom. When we gain wisdom, we grow in our knowledge of God:

I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. – Ephesians 1:16-17

When we seek understanding, are we seeking understanding of our situation, or are we seeking understanding of God? The difference might appear subtle.

If you had to choose, would you rather…
…know how many days are left in your life, or know the purpose in each day of your life?
…know the details of all remaining employment (and unemployment) situations, or be assured all your needs will be met?
…know how to resolve a conflict with a family member or friend, or be assured of your family member or friend’s eternal life?

God's wisdom and knowledge isn’t the same as human wisdom and knowledge. No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the Lord. – Proverbs 21:30. God wants us to realize the brevity of life because we grow in (God’s) wisdom. When we grow in God’s wisdom, we grow in our understanding of His character. When we know God’s character, we can differentiate between our earthly understanding and His plan and purpose for us.

Realizing the brevity of life isn’t about walking through a tragedy. It’s about drawing closer to God, acknowledging Him as the source of all life, knowledge and wisdom. May your day be filled with discernment between His wisdom and understanding and your own wisdom and understanding. May you seek the heart of God so intensely you grow to know God’s heart more than you own. Pursue Him. He’s already pursuing you.

But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. – 1 Corinthians 1:24, 30