Each day as we pass the cemetery I pray, “Lord, teach me to number my days that I may get a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). I look forward to my children having the same request.On the kids’ daily wagon ride around our neighborhood, this is the site we see about 2 blocks away from our house. Unlike many people, I like having a cemetery near by. Not in a morbid way, but as a daily “wake-up call”. Life is VERY SHORT! Just take a look at 10 words/phrases that are listed in The Bible to describe man’s frailty & life’s brevity.
* fleeting (Psalm 39:4)
* a few handbreadths (Psalm 39:5)
* a mere breath (Psalm 39:5,11)
* a shadow (Psalm 39:6)
* like grass (Psalm 103:15)
* like a flower (Psalm 103:15)
* a mist (James 4:14)
* dust (Psalm 103:14)
* a wind (Psalm 78:39)
* passing away (I Corinthians 7:31)
So, if “my lifetime is as nothing before God” (Psalm 39:5), what really matters? A heart of wisdom matters! Wisdom means “to be wise in mind, word or act” (STRONG’S Comprehensive Concordance of the Bible – Hebrew Dictionary p.39). The wisdom that comes from above leads to righteousness (James 3:13-18). How would you answer the following questions?
-Are you striving to have a heart of wisdom more than you are that Degree, position, or raise on your job?
-Are you striving to have a heart of wisdom more than you are trying to keep up with the latest episode of a TV show or gossip of a TV star?
-Are you striving to have a heart of wisdom more than you are buying more stuff or doing more activities?
If Jesus answered these questions about you, would He be pleased with the results? Most likely, we ALL need to grow in this area. May the Lord help us to desire Him more and strive for the wisdom that only He can give.
And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. I John 2:17
2 comments:
Such a good reminder. Last week we visited "our cemetery" (as Orison calls it), and we always take a long drive through the winding paths before we leave. Part of me is absolutely stunned by the beauty that is there. I turned to Abraham at one point and said, "Can you believe that we probably never would have set foot in here if it hadn't been for Felicity?"
It's a sad place in some ways, but you're right, it's good to come face to face with mortality and evaluate your position before God.
This post is definitely going to help me pray differently when I'm there. Thanks, Caryn.
I truly agree. When I look into the mirror I am reminded that I die daily, which means I am closer to the grave than I'd care to imagine. I pray that I will live each day as if it is my last.
I recall visiting the cemetery where my parents are buried. I found myself just standing there staring at the grave marker. My heart broke in two as I grieved about my loss, being reminded that their lives here on earth are over. It was so FINAL... too late to say I love you, too late to say I'm sorry and too late to talk to them about eternity.
Let's live so that we will see our family and friends in eternity and that we will most importantly see JESUS CHRIST.
Caryn,
Thanks for providing an avenue (blog) for us to reflect and share. Love, Mom
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