The Brevity of Life

Introduction:

Our life coming to a close is usually not a comforting thought, though we know it will eventually happen. Most of us have many things we wish to accomplish in our life and generally speaking, do not give dying much thought. Everyone of us knows someone who has died suddenly. Life can be forever changed in just a few seconds. Families affected for generations. God has told us our time in this life is not long at all. In fact, it is very short.

I. What Is Your Life?

A.    Psalm 39:4-7 - David provides a three-prong description of the life of a man.

1.     Psa. 39:4 - Life is a vanity.  

a.     Life is short; passes quickly

2.     Psa. 39:6 - Life is uncertain.

a.     Lk. 12:16-21

b.     James 4:13-17

3.     Life is opportunity.

a.     All we wish to accomplish must be done before we leave this life.

b.     Once we die there is no opportunity to do things over or work more. John 9:4

II. David’s Sobering Application

A.    The vanity, uncertainty and opportunity of life knows no exceptions.

1.     Three times David uses the phrase “every man.”

a.     Psa. 39:5, 6, 11 - Emphasizes this point

2.     Heb. 9:27 - Each of us, upon our birth, have an appointment with death.

B.    39:5 - Death is unconditional as it matters not what one’s station in life may be.

1.     Ecc. 12:13 - Solomon rightly understood this concept.

C.   Life happens. Things could come up that could snuff out our life with little warning.

1.     What if you died tomorrow?  Are you prepared for eternity?

III.  There is No Hope in This World

A.    David soon realized this world offered him no hope or consolation.

B.    39:7 - He discovered the only place he could find hope was in God.

1.     How many are living without hope?

2.     There is only one who can help you and deliver you.

a.     You can’t live this life on your own.

b.     Mt. 11:28-30

Conclusion

A.    This life is short, uncertain and full of opportunity.

B.    Have you prepared yourself for the life that is to come?