Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

You turn us back to dust, and say, "Turn back, you mortals." For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night.

You sweep them away; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning; in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers.

For we are consumed by your anger; by your wrath we are overwhelmed. You set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your countenance. For all our days pass away under your wrath; our years come to an end like a sigh. The days of our life are seventy years, or perhaps eighty, if we are strong; even then their span is only toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away.

Psalm 90:1-10

Our lives are soon cut off, no matter how good doctors and medicines are. Moses wrote Psalm 90 and he saw death as inevitable. He wanted to be satisfied with God's mercy. He learned to count his days, as if each were his last. Death is certain, but we can live with hope and joy. Jesus conquered death when He rose from the grave. If we receive Him as our personal Savior and Lord, we too can experience God's forgiveness and look forward to being with Him in heaven forever. Have you faced and settled this life and death issue?

You are not ready to live until you are ready to die.

Our Daily Bread - November 9, 2003