Time running out
I’ve reached a point in life where it’s clear that time is running out. Oh, nothing imminent, but there are inescapable indications in body and in mind.
Of course, time is running out for all of us, and we’ve all known it since we came to understand what death is, and absorbed the truth that we are not exempt. When we’re young and relatively healthy, it’s mostly theoretical to us. Until a death strikes close to us, or we become seriously unwell. For a time it becomes much more real to us, that we only have so much time. And the kicker is, we don’t know how much. Not everyone survives to the point of feeling in body and mind how time is running out.
In the only psalm we know of written by Moses (Psalm 90), he reflects on death. His thoughts jump around some, challenging us to follow his thinking, but it’s quickly plain that his thoughts go very deep. He talks about how brief life is, as we’ve just been remarking. Then he prays, “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” (verse 12) What he means, I think: “Time is running out. Don’t forget it, be wise about how you use it.”
Moses is far from alone. David, Solomon, Paul, James and more make the same point.
Psalm 39:4-5 – O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath!
Ecclesiastes 9:10 – Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.
Ephesians 5:15-16 – Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
James 4:14 – You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.
The point here is not to be depressing! (I’m sorry if it has felt that way.) The point is that whatever we would like to do, time is running out to get it done. Secular motivational speakers and writers make this point all the time. How much more should we heed this truth when we’re thinking about the things we would like to do in the Lord’s service, but keep putting off!
There are things to say and do for people we love. There are relationships to be built or repaired. There are a thousand good things to work on in our churches, our communities, and beyond. There is good news to be shared about the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. There are personal patterns and habits that need pruning, and others that need cultivating.
Time’s running out. At some point we’ll realize time’s up—we’re no longer capable, or the opportunity has been lost.
I’m sorry that I’m not as good at this as those motivational writers. What we need is to be upbeat and energized, to turn the uncertainty of our life into motivation to be doing while there’s still time. Where do we find the energy, the motivation? A loving God, a shining hope, a living Lord.
“Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:57-58)
Love, Paul