by Kala Loptien

Numbered Days

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this Sound Cloud link.

Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. (Psalm 39: 4-5, NIV)

I visited the (amazing) Cheyenne Mountain Zoo recently with family and found the bears in this sleepy, yet pensive pose that morning. I always wonder what the animals are thinking, as we all stare at them in awe. With what we know of the animal brain, we can assume their thoughts to be somewhat simple and primitive. I hardly doubt they are concerned about how their fur looks that day or how their lair is arranged. And we can be sure they don’t give a second thought as to what anyone else thinks of them. Next meal? Now that’s probably more like it.

What kind of mode do we find ourselves in, day to day? What thoughts consume our minds? To what (or whom) do we devote the majority of our time and talent?

For everything in the world–lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life–comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2: 16-17, NIV)

Sometimes we find ourselves in a worldly whirlwind. Our thoughts are consumed by what we have and what we don’t, OR, what others think of what we have and what we don’t. Tunnel vision and a self-serving focus will leave us empty and spiraling. It presents an endless need to keep up and prove ourselves.

We need one very clear and direct point of view: an eternal perspective. The things of the world – money, stuff, success, approval, appearance – can quickly rob us of the joy and truth God has hidden in our hearts. We are redeemed children of the King. It is by grace we have been saved through faith. Our days are numbered and fleeting, yes. This shouldn’t induce fear or anxiety. Rather, it offers a redirect: a reminder that we are to use our time wisely — giving thanks to God, serving others, sharing the Gospel and fixing our eyes on Jesus.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado