You Can't Live Forever, So What Are You Going To Do About It?
We grow up thinking we are going to live forever. We are fools. Eventually life starts coming to a clearer and clearer realization that no one gets out of this life alive. We are winding down. This is the Psalmist's realization in Psalm 102.
Psalm 102:23–24 (ESV) He has broken my strength in midcourse; he has shortened my days. 24 “O my God,” I say, “take me not away in the midst of my days— you whose years endure throughout all generations!”
I have to confess, I feel like this Psalm is speaking straight to me. I'm experiencing more physical ailments than I ever have. My body is showing signs of wear and tear. I haven't exercised cardio in a long time as my knee heals from something I cannot explain. My strength is broken. It starts to hit you - life is short. Your body reminds you that eventually you have to slow down and eventually you will stop.
Though this Psalmist realizes his life will end, he has great perspective"
Psalm 102:12 (ESV) But you, O Lord, are enthroned forever; you are remembered throughout all generations.
Psalm 102:15 (ESV) Nations will fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth will fear your glory.
Psalm 102:16 (ESV) For the Lord builds up Zion; he appears in his glory;
The Psalmist has come to a very important realization. Though he will not live forever in this world, God is still doing something in this world. The Psalmist is aware that he is a part of God's work, not the end of it.
This is living in the light of who we are before our God.
Psalm 102:18–22 (ESV) Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord: 19 that he looked down from his holy height; from heaven the Lord looked at the earth, 20 to hear the groans of the prisoners, to set free those who were doomed to die, 21 that they may declare in Zion the name of the Lord, and in Jerusalem his praise, 22 when peoples gather together, and kingdoms, to worship the Lord.
The purpose of our lives is to live for His glory in our generation so that subsequent generations may praise Him. Notice the long-term vision the Psalmist has in verse 18. "So that a people YET to be created may praise the Lord." He's not thinking simply of the generation behind him, but one yet to be born. This is long range vision for the affect of your life. Not just hoping that your kids will know the Lord, but their grandchildren and great grandchildren as well.
I'm reminded of the account of David's life so eloquently stated by Paul before his persecutors:
Acts 13:36–37 (ESV) For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption, 37 but he whom God raised up did not see corruption.
David did what God wanted and then was laid to rest. Powerful words for us all. They remind us to use our time well, to invest in those we will leave behind. We are here for His purpose in our generation so that future generations will call upon the Lord.
This Psalmist has it right. And he can embrace his end with faith.
Psalm 102:25–28 (ESV) Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. 26 They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, 27 but you are the same, and your years have no end. 28 The children of your servants shall dwell secure; their offspring shall be established before you.
He has worked to leave behind a legacy for those yet to come. With that in mind, he will truly rest in peace.
Psalm 102:23–24 (ESV) He has broken my strength in midcourse; he has shortened my days. 24 “O my God,” I say, “take me not away in the midst of my days— you whose years endure throughout all generations!”
I have to confess, I feel like this Psalm is speaking straight to me. I'm experiencing more physical ailments than I ever have. My body is showing signs of wear and tear. I haven't exercised cardio in a long time as my knee heals from something I cannot explain. My strength is broken. It starts to hit you - life is short. Your body reminds you that eventually you have to slow down and eventually you will stop.
Though this Psalmist realizes his life will end, he has great perspective"
Psalm 102:12 (ESV) But you, O Lord, are enthroned forever; you are remembered throughout all generations.
Psalm 102:15 (ESV) Nations will fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth will fear your glory.
Psalm 102:16 (ESV) For the Lord builds up Zion; he appears in his glory;
The Psalmist has come to a very important realization. Though he will not live forever in this world, God is still doing something in this world. The Psalmist is aware that he is a part of God's work, not the end of it.
This is living in the light of who we are before our God.
Psalm 102:18–22 (ESV) Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord: 19 that he looked down from his holy height; from heaven the Lord looked at the earth, 20 to hear the groans of the prisoners, to set free those who were doomed to die, 21 that they may declare in Zion the name of the Lord, and in Jerusalem his praise, 22 when peoples gather together, and kingdoms, to worship the Lord.
The purpose of our lives is to live for His glory in our generation so that subsequent generations may praise Him. Notice the long-term vision the Psalmist has in verse 18. "So that a people YET to be created may praise the Lord." He's not thinking simply of the generation behind him, but one yet to be born. This is long range vision for the affect of your life. Not just hoping that your kids will know the Lord, but their grandchildren and great grandchildren as well.
I'm reminded of the account of David's life so eloquently stated by Paul before his persecutors:
Acts 13:36–37 (ESV) For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption, 37 but he whom God raised up did not see corruption.
David did what God wanted and then was laid to rest. Powerful words for us all. They remind us to use our time well, to invest in those we will leave behind. We are here for His purpose in our generation so that future generations will call upon the Lord.
This Psalmist has it right. And he can embrace his end with faith.
Psalm 102:25–28 (ESV) Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. 26 They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, 27 but you are the same, and your years have no end. 28 The children of your servants shall dwell secure; their offspring shall be established before you.
He has worked to leave behind a legacy for those yet to come. With that in mind, he will truly rest in peace.
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