LORD, make me to know my end, And what is the measure of my days, That I may know how frail I am. Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, And my age is as nothing before You; Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. (Ps 39:4-5)
Last week I was reading a website that had wilderness survival tips. If you tuck in your thumb, extend your arm, and measure how many palm widths fit between the sun and horizon–that’s how many hours of daylight are left. I was fascinated. I tried it. It works. Daylight hours measured by handbreadths.
Today I read Psalm 39. “You have made my days as handbreadths.” What a quaint metaphor. Aren’t our lives just like the setting sun? Appointed risings and appointed settings? Aren’t our times in God’s hands (cf. Ps 31:15)?
There’s a measure of awe in those thoughts. Our time is fading. We are limited. Vapor indeed. Frail indeed. Are we ready?
But then a measure of hope in those thoughts. I am in His hands. I trust in His timing. He sustains me. Let me fulfill my duties and then … meet Him.