As A Tale That Is Told

(My Original Blog Post: http://ping.fm/nBkyX)

“. . .we spend our years as a tale that is told.”

Psalm 90:9b

When the final chapter of your life is written, what will the title of the entire “book” be?

We need not wonder if Moses’ prayer in Ps. 90 was a pensive one—for it’s quite reflective in its words and tones.  He began by remembering God’s infinite greatness (vv.1-2) and our temporal weakness (vv.4-6).  And, he realized anew (as we also should) that nothing. . . no secret sin. . .is hidden from His all-seeing Eye (v.8).



That’s why it’s important for us “to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (v.12).  None of us want to come to the end of our lives and be called “the son/daughter of perdition/waste” as Judas was and “it’d been better if he/she had never been born” (Jn. 17:12; Mt. 26:24).



So, back to the Manna:  “We spend our years as a tale that is told.”

Interesting, the Hebrew word “hegeh” is used here for “tale” and basically means “a muttering, sighing, a thought, sound, pondering, meditation, etc.”  Thus, it’s the picture of one musing on his own life and realizing he’s really writing a book or spinning a yarn by what he says and does each day here on earth.



And, again, the question is “What type ‘book’ will it be and how will others remember you after you’re gone?”

Sobering questions, aren’t they?

Most assuredly; yet, it’s important for us to reflect upon such things lest we get to the end of our lives and say “I have no pleasure in them” (Eccl. 12:1).



So, as James asked in James 4:14b, “For what is your life?”  Or, another way to ask it is, “For what is your life’s purpose. . . priorities. . .passion. . .pursuit?”  If it’s anything other than “seeking first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness” (Mt. 6:33), then we shouldn’t rest until it is.



Yes, “we spend our years as a tale that is told.”

The first chapters are so often full of vim and vigor.  Rose-colored glasses and unquenchable optimism are the order of the day.  The next section is filled with stories of “dreaming the impossible dream and fighting the unbeatable foe”—and, it’s possible those chapters will be filled with great exploits and mountaintop victories.



But, if the Lord is gracious and we should reach Chapters 70 or 80 (Ps. 90:10), it’s possible that the once-lively, toe-tappin’ music will have given way to melancholy melodies and somber tones.  Heartache and sorrow have a way of dampening the spirit and slowing the beat.



Yet, even then, we should remember God’s faithfulness and how He will “satisfy (Heb. ‘saba’—‘to satiate, fill to overflowing, suffice, have plenty of, etc.’) us early with His Mercy” (Ps. 90:14a).  And, this will turn our songs of sadness into anthems of praise as we “rejoice and are glad that He has placed His beauty on us and established the works of our hands” (v.17) because we’ve invested them in His eternal Kingdom’s work.  Hallelujah!!

By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated June 29, 2010