Psalm 103:15-18 says, "Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone—as though we had never been here. But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children's children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments!" Since Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden, we have been affected by the curse of death. Death became a part of a human being's existence. No matter how much we want to live on this earth, death will eventually overcome our physical bodies. It is interesting to analyze the human cycle. When we were babies, we were completely dependent on our parents or caregivers to nurture us. As we grew into our youth, we were filled with energy and a desire to explore and embrace new experiences. Upon becoming adults, we took charge of our lives, with many achieving success in careers and building our own families. As we reach retirement age, we may slow down, but we carry with us the richness of a life fully lived, embracing every moment until our last breath. Even the most powerful and wealthiest people in the world cannot escape death.
But for us who believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, our lives do not end on this earth, but we continue to live in the everlasting presence of God in Heaven. Jesus said these promising words to us, "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going (John 14:1-3)." Death to us is not the end but the beginning of a magnificent life with God. We will be living in a place where we are designed to be. God created us to live in His presence, but sin separated us from God. However, Jesus restored our relationship with God; as a result, we can once again live in His very presence. Revelation 21:3-4 describes Heaven, "I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, "Look, God's home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever."
God knows that our lives on this earth are only temporary, but a heavenly life awaits us. As the years go by, we are becoming closer to being with our Heavenly Father. As a result, we must live our lives as if this is our last day so that we may live wisely. Let us keep each day count for God's glory.
Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) How should I live my life, knowing that I am just passing through this earth? What did God promise me after life on this earth? What lesson did God show me in today's devotion?
Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.
Prayer:
Dear Father in Heaven, I praise you for my hope is in you. Although my life on this earth is temporary, I am blessed to know that I will continue to be with you in Heaven. Help me embrace the journey ahead and live the rest of my life on this earth with wisdom so that I may honor your name in everything that I do. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.
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