Along with that, I think about dying too. Not because of physical symptoms but in relation to my to-do list. I’ve dozens of plans and often joke that I need to live until at least 250 to get them all finished. But no one knows when Jesus will call me home.
Reading today’s sections in Psalms and Proverbs, I could hear the voice of the Holy Spirit in several passages. The first one is about trusting humans, but it says something about death and my ambitions:
Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish. (Psalm 146:3–4)One day, my to-do list will hit the round file and be no longer relevant or important to anyone. As my son asked, “Mom, when you die, what am I supposed to do with all this fabric?” We laughed, but that is a valid question. I have an answer for the fabric, but not for my ambitions and hopes.
The next verses shape an answer, first a warning and then the promises of God. . . .
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)How do I get wisdom? I know the answer, but the next passages are a reminder, and one with a promise:
For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.” (Proverbs 1:32–33)
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, (Proverbs 2:6–7)Length of days will not add up to 91250 of them, but this is encouraging. In this community where we live, I know several women that are nearly 100 and still able to think straight and be active. God connects this on listening to Him and being obedient.
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. (Proverbs 3:1–2)
The last passage is familiar and one central feature is humility. I’ve too often thought I had some smarts, but need to be like a child and let my Father guide my life:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. (Proverbs 3:5–8)The next passage affirms the promise and translates wisdom with a feminine pronoun. This is not gender bias. The Hebrew word for wisdom is feminine and this book contrasts wise women with foolish, sinful women. It is a literary device to make personal the truth of those warnings. For me, it also speaks to the precious value and the rewards of wisdom:
Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. (Proverbs 3:13–16)After reading these, the Lord popped into my mind this well-known passage from Psalm 90. It is easy to write as a prayer:
PRAY: Lord Jesus, all my days pass away under the reality of sin, suffering, and death. I think of the end with a sigh. The years of my life reached seventy, and even by reason of the strength You give me, I am now past eighty, even though all those years included toil and trouble. Yes, this life seems soon gone. I will eventually fly away. So many fail to considers the power of Your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you. So teach me to number my days that I may have a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:9–12) I want those days well spent and of value to Your glory. Amen.
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