Psalm 90:9b – “For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told.”
Life moves fast. One day we’re young, thinking we have plenty of time ahead. Then we blink, and years have passed. Moses, the writer of Psalm 90, describes our time on earth as a tale that is told—a short story, quickly recounted and then finished.
The Bible often reminds us that life is brief, fragile, and temporary. The days pass like a vapor, and soon we are gone. But what does that mean for us? How should we live knowing that our time is short? Let’s take a look at what the Bible says.
1. Life is Short
The Bible compares life to many fleeting things—a vapor, or a shadow. These descriptions all point to the same truth: life is not permanent.
• James 4:14 – “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
Just like mist in the morning that fades as the sun rises, our lives appear for a little while and then are gone.
• Psalm 39:4-5 – “Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity.”
Even in our strongest years, life is still short. No matter how successful, wealthy, or healthy a person may be, their time on earth is limited.
We like to think we have plenty of time. But the truth is, our lives are like a tale that is told—a story quickly spoken and soon finished.
2. Jesus Christ: The Answer to Man’s Frailty
If the Bible only told us that life is short and full of sorrow, that would be discouraging. But God does not leave us without hope!
Even though our lives are short and death is certain, Jesus Christ offers eternal life.
• John 11:25-26 – “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.”
The world sees death as the end of the story, but for the believer, death is just the beginning.
Through Jesus, our short tale on earth becomes part of an eternal story.
• Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 – “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”
If life is short, we must live wisely. And the wisest thing we can do is fear God and trust in Christ.
Even though our years pass like a tale that is told, we do not have to live without hope. For those who trust in Christ, eternity is waiting.
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Psalm 90:9 reminds us that life is short. But it also reminds us to look beyond this life. If all we had was this brief story on earth, it would be a sad tale indeed. But through Jesus Christ, we have hope beyond the grave.
So what should we do?
1. Remember that life is short. Don’t waste it.
2. Recognize that sin has consequences. This life is broken, but Christ offers a way out.
3. Trust in Jesus for eternal life. When this earthly tale is finished, eternity begins.
The question is: where will you spend eternity when your tale is told?
