Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. (James 4:14 ESV))

Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow. (Psalm 144:4 ESV)

I don’t know about you but the beginning of this year just seems to have rushed by. Others have said to me how they don’t know where the time has gone or how we are into May already but as the saying goes ‘Time waits for no man.’ The verses above describe the brevity of life which you may think is a fairly depressing topic to choose as we go into the summer months but bear with me. These verses would be thoroughly depressing reading without the hope and promises we have as believers but in actual fact they are of great encouragement to us. Our lives could seem insignificant in light of these verses and the universe we live in but the wonderful thing is that if we trust in Jesus and follow him then the Bible tells us we are known and loved by the God of the universe. This means our lives, short as they may be are important and what we do with them and the choices we make are important. It is what we choose to use that time for that will make a difference. Our lives in this world might be short but we are eternal beings yet many spend so much time concentrating on this life that passes like a mist, choosing to ignore the life that lies beyond and where they will spend it. The passing attractions of this life may seem desirable now and give short term satisfaction and the road we are called to walk as believers look unappealing but the wonderful truth is that whatever this world has to offer and whatever we may suffer in it will pail in the light of an eternity spent in the presence and glory of God. Equally whatever pleasure and gain is made still living not knowing and trusting in the Saviour will seem worthless in an eternity separated from the love and glory of God. Our purpose in this life and the next is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever and when we make the decision stirred by the work of the Holy Spirit to do just that then we will live satisfied and fulfilled lives on this earth. As we enter another summer let us remember that this life is a passing season but one passing into something better and more glorious for those that trust and believe all that the scriptures have to teach and who follow the Master. It is not the message the world wants to hear but it is a message it needs to hear. May the Lord equip us and grant us boldness to do just that.

Every blessing

Gordon